Magnox power station end of life fuel management

Nuclear Electric is the licensee for eight Magnox power stations six of which are operational and have been in service since 1962. The residual life of these stations is expected to be on average about 10 years. Optimising the management of the fuel cycle over the remaining operating life leads to significant economic benefits. The technical and economic factors that will determine the life of the Magnox stations are reviewed. In addition the fuel reprocessing arrangements are described and their influence on the closure programme discussed. Following the cessation of generation it is necessary to remove all the fuel from the station for reprocessing. There are economic advantages in completing this process quickly and Nuclear Electric's experience is reviewed. (author)