The first UK nuclear reactors were built in the early 1950’s. Now, in the 1990’s, an increasing number of reactors are nearing the end of their useful life and their decommissioning is a topic of public concern. This FactFile briefly discusses the history of nuclear power in the UK and the strategy adopted for nuclear decommissioning. The UK strategy is addressed in the context of the UK legislative framework and an international overview of nuclear decommissioning is given.

An overview of the main reactor systems, their underlying physical principles and operation may be found in the companion IET FactFile ‘Nuclear Power in the UK’. The purpose of this FactFile is to provide an overview of the concept and the practice of safely undertaking the decommissioning of nuclear power stations.