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23 July 2003 - The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has let the contract for the decommissioning of the first nuclear reactor in Europe to energy engineering firm, Mitsui Babcock. Decommissioning is planned to be completed by Mitsui Babcock's nuclear decommissioning arm, based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, by December 2004.
GLEEP - the Graphite Low Energy Experimental Pile - first went critical in 1947. The reactor was used to prove the physics for the UK's nuclear power programme and produced radioisotopes for use as fuel in the country's first generation of nuclear power stations. Later, it was used as an international calibration standard for nuclear materials and neutron detectors. After 43 years of operation, GLEEP was shut down in 1990 and in 1994/ 1995, the fuel rods and control rods were removed.
In the final phase of GLEEP's decommissioning, Mitsui Babcock will completely dismantle and remove the reactor, which will allow the removal of two hangars and other associated buildings, and free the eastern end of the site for new development. Total cost of the decommissioning and other demolition work is around £10m ($15.96m).
Dr John McKeown, Chief Executive of UKAEA commented: "The decommissioning of GLEEP is a landmark in the environmental restoration of Harwell and the transformation of the site into an international business centre. The removal of GLEEP, together with other redundant buildings at the front of the Harwell site, will pave the way for delicensing and development of the eastern area of the site.
Managing director of Mitsui Babcock, Europe, Iain Miller added: "We are extremely pleased to be awarded this contract. We have worked closely with UKAEA and sub-contractors to develop a 'best practice' solution for decommissioning GLEEP and restoring this part of the Harwell site for development."
Re-development of the site began with the launch of Harwell International Business Centre in 2000. By releasing more land for unrestricted use, it is hoped to create a thriving hub of science and technology on the Harwell-Chilton campus.
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