Hinkley Point B nuclear power station in Somerset has transferred from EDF to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), marking the start of the next phase of the site’s decommissioning.
The site will be managed by NDA subsidiary Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), which is also responsible for decommissioning neighbouring Hinkley Point A.
Around 250 staff will transfer from EDF to NRS, retaining their skills and experience to support the safe and secure decommissioning of the station while continuing to provide skilled jobs in the local community.
Hinkley Point B began generating electricity in 1976, becoming the first British-designed Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor to supply power to the national grid. It closed in 2022 after 46 years of operation, having generated enough zero-carbon electricity to power every home in the South West of England for 33 years.
The transfer follows five years of preparation involving the Government, the NDA group, EDF, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency and the Nuclear Liabilities Fund.
Defueling was completed on time and within budget. More than 4,900 spent-fuel elements were removed over three years and transported to Sellafield for safe storage.
The station generated more than £15 billion in economic value for the UK between 1976 and 2024, according to EDF. Decommissioning is also expected to sustain economic activity and employment in the region.
Hinkley Point B is the second Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor site to transfer to the NDA for decommissioning, following Hunterston B in April. Dungeness B, Hartlepool, Heysham 1 and 2, and Torness are also expected to transfer as they reach the end of their generating lives.
