Our approach to decommissioning a power station

When a power station is retired from service, it must be decommissioned so that the site can be restored for future use. It is imperative that the decommissioning is carried out in the correct way to ensure the site is safe and environmentally sound. 

For nuclear power station decommissions, legal requirements must be complied with to ensure the site is not hazardous in any way. In order to achieve this outcome, a specific process must be followed. At Hughes and Salvidge we have extensive experience in this area, making us the ideal partner for your decommissioning project.

How we manage your decommissioning project

Decommissioning plan
We start by drafting a decommissioning plan, which outlines the structured approach to safely dismantling and clearing the power station. It details every stage, from environmental assessments and hazardous material removal, to demolition methods and waste management, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Site assessment and project planning
We conduct an assessment of the site and use this information to plan the project from start to finish to ensure that each stage progresses safely and efficiently. We evaluate the site’s condition, identifying hazardous materials and assessing structural complexities to develop a detailed timeline, safety protocols and demolition strategies. 

Health and safety protocols
When it comes to health and safety, we prioritise protecting our staff, the public and the environment. These protocols include hazard identification, adhering to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, air quality monitoring, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Regular safety briefings, emergency response plans, and controlled site access are also crucial for minimising risk.

Decontamination and industrial cleaning
We focus on removing hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, and chemical residues. We also undertake specialised cleaning of equipment, pipes, and surfaces as required to reduce contamination risks and prepare the site for demolition. This process ensures a safer environment for our workers and limits potential harm to surrounding ecosystems.

Strip-out and removal
The strip-out and removal process in decommissioning a power station involves dismantling internal structures, machinery, and non-structural elements like electrical wiring, insulation, and fixtures. This phase allows us to recover valuable materials and clear the site for demolition. Careful planning on our behalf ensures safe handling and disposal of materials, minimising environmental impact.

Asset recovery, recycling and waste disposal
Efficient asset recovery, recycling, and waste disposal are vital to the success of a decommissioning project. We salvage valuable materials, such as metals and machinery for reuse or resale. Non-recyclable waste is carefully sorted and disposed of in line with environmental guidelines. Our approach reduces waste, lowers environmental impact, and promotes sustainable resource management.

Monitoring and progress evaluation
Monitoring and progress evaluation is essential. This encompasses regular site inspections, milestone tracking, and safety assessments to ensure the project stays on schedule and adheres to safety protocols. We continually review data from air quality, noise, vibrations, and structural stability, making adjustments to maintain safety and project efficiency.

Structural demolition works
We undertake various structural demolition works including the controlled dismantling of large components like cooling towers, boiler houses, and chimneys. We utilise techniques such as mechanical dismantling, explosive demolition, and high-reach excavators depending on the structure’s size and location. We plan each step meticulously to ensure safety and environmental compliance throughout the process.

Land remediation and site restoration
Towards the end of a decommissioning project, we ensure the land is treated and revitalised (if needed) to make it safe for future use. This includes soil testing, contamination removal, and landscape rehabilitation. The goal is to restore ecological balance, prevent environmental hazards, and prepare the site for redevelopment or natural restoration.

Completion and site handover
Upon completion, a thorough inspection of all demolition, cleaning, and remediation is undertaken to ensure regulatory standards are met. As part of this, all documentation is reviewed and safety certifications are issued. The site is then handed over, ready for redevelopment or alternative use, marking the project’s official completion and confirming compliance with environmental and safety requirements.

What does the process involve?

All decommissioning processes involve cleaning and decontaminating the facility to ensure any hazardous materials are safely managed. All contaminated or hazardous materials, such as asbestos, heavy metals, or industrial waste, must be removed and taken to appropriate disposal or recycling facilities. Structures are dismantled safely, following stringent safety and environmental guidelines.

For facilities using specialised materials, such as fossil fuels or renewable energy components, any hazardous substances are carefully handled and transported to disposal or recycling facilities designed for such waste. If components or equipment can be reused, they are removed and prepared for repurposing. For nuclear power stations, any nuclear fuel must be removed safely and securely from the site.

Once all hazardous materials are removed, the site is prepped for demolition, including the removal of non-essential infrastructure and redundant outer buildings. The demolition process follows strict environmental and safety protocols to minimise impacts on the surrounding area.

All power station owners are responsible for overseeing this process and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines until the site is fully decommissioned and repurposed or returned to its natural state.

Power station decommissioning facts

• Decommissioning is heavily regulated by the Environment Agency, as well as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) for nuclear power stations and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for other power stations. These bodies enforce strict standards to ensure safety for workers, the public, and the environment.
  
  

• The UK’s decommissioning timelines are flexible. Each plant’s timeline is customised, with the decommissioning of nuclear power plants potentially taking several decades to a century, depending on the site, technical requirements, and safety considerations.
  
  

• Nuclear power station operating companies generally follow a phased approach to decommissioning. They usually choose between Early Site Clearance and Deferred Dismantling to complete the decommissioning process.

  • Early Site Clearance: The decommissioning process begins soon after the plant ceases operations. All radioactive materials are removed, and the site is dismantled, aiming to make it available for other uses within a shorter timeframe. 

  • Deferred Dismantling: The site enters a care and maintenance phase to allow time for radioactive decay, making it safer and less costly to dismantle and decontaminate equipment in the future. During this phase, the site remains in a stable, secure state with regular monitoring until full decommissioning activities are undertaken, often several decades later.

Why choose Hughes and Salvidge for your decommissioning project?

• We have a wealth of decommissioning and demolition experience, working across a broad range of sectors. Our team demonstrates exceptional expertise in all areas and they bring in-depth knowledge, skill, and precision to every project.
  
  

• We operate under an integrated management system that addresses all elements of health, safety, quality, and environmental management. This system is audited by a UKAS-approved audit organisation and is to BS EN ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 standards.
  
  

• All activities undertaken by Hughes and Salvidge will be in accordance with the approved programme of work, phased operations and safe demolition techniques.
  
  

• All activities will be planned and undertaken in line with the Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Project Health and Safety Plans and the Environmental Plan.
  
  

• We consistently complete projects on time and within budget. Our track record reassures our clients that we deliver quality work within their timeframes and financial expectations.
  
  

• Working alongside our associated companies, we provide a complete solution - Demolish. Crush. Recycle. Demolish with Hughes and Salvidge. Crush with K&B Crushers. Recycle with H&S Metals. And not forgetting H&S Asbestos for all your asbestos removal and disposal needs.
  
  

If you have any questions about our decommissioning services, please get in touch with a member of our team.