Dounreay was established in 1950’s and in 1954 it was chosen as the site for a new type of reactor, the fast breeder reactors.
Until 1994 it was the place for fast reactor research and development where it had a vital role in advancing nuclear technology. This was led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
At the end of the 1980’s, when the UK pulled out of continuing its use of fast reactors, it was shut down and so began its journey as a decommissioning site. The Nuclear Decommissioning Group (NDA) took over the site in 2005.
To counteract the lack of business from fast reactors, the site looked to the oil and gas sector. Handling radioactive materials from the gas pipework that got built up due to radioactive material beneath the seabed.
Earlier this week it was announced that the last 29 containers of low-level waste have been removed from the decommissioning site. The site is undergoing construction, demolition and cleanup work to ensure the site and its parts are safe for future generations.
Nuclear Restorations Services (NRS), Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and contractor Augean have worked together to complete the safe transfer of the containers.
Picture: gov.uk