Dounreay

DounreayJM

Dounreay Prototype Fast Reactor

DFR Schematic

Dounreay is a site located on the north coast of Caithness, in the Highlands of Scotland. It is best known for its role in the development of the United Kingdom's nuclear energy program. The site is currently undergoing decommissioning and environmental restoration.

History

Dounreay was established in the 1950s as a center for experimental nuclear reactor research. The site was chosen due to its remote location, which was considered ideal for handling the risks associated with nuclear technology. The first reactor, known as the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), achieved criticality in 1959. This was followed by the Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR), which began operation in 1974.

Nuclear Reactors

Dounreay housed three main reactors:

• Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR): The DFR was a sodium-cooled fast reactor and was the first of its kind in the UK. It was operational from 1959 until 1977.
• Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR): The PFR was also a sodium-cooled fast reactor and was operational from 1974 until 1994.
• Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (DMTR): The DMTR was a heavy water reactor used primarily for testing materials. It was operational from 1958 until 1969.

Decommissioning

The decommissioning of Dounreay began in the late 1990s. The process involves dismantling the reactors, managing radioactive waste, and restoring the site to a condition that is safe for future use. The decommissioning is managed by Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Environmental Impact

The decommissioning process at Dounreay has been closely monitored to minimize environmental impact. Efforts have been made to manage radioactive waste safely and to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. The site has also been the focus of various environmental studies to assess and mitigate any potential risks.

Future Plans

The future of the Dounreay site is focused on completing the decommissioning process and ensuring that the site is safe for future generations. There are ongoing discussions about potential future uses for the site, including renewable energy projects and other industrial developments.

Related Pages

• Nuclear power in the United Kingdom
• Nuclear decommissioning
• Nuclear reactor
• Caithness
• Highlands