A major step in the long-running clean-up of Dungeness A is getting under way, with UK engineering company Aureos appointed to remove some of the site’s largest remaining structures.
The contract, worth up to £190 million, covers the removal of eight boiler units, each weighing around 800 tonnes, along with associated plant and infrastructure. The work follows four years of preparation at the Kent site.
Engineering a safer, smaller site
The boilers will be moved using a specialist jack-and-slide system designed to handle the enormous structures safely and precisely. Their removal will cut the site’s above-ground footprint by around a third, reducing future maintenance requirements and long-term care demands.
NRS, which appointed Aureos through a competitive process, said the project would help reduce national risk while delivering better value for taxpayers. The work is also expected to create opportunities for British industry and the local economy.
Aureos will work with schools, universities, community groups and local businesses during the project. Planned activity includes engagement events, supply-chain opportunities, volunteering and regular updates for the surrounding area.
Once the work is complete, the smaller site will be closer to the end of its decommissioning mission, with land potentially available for future beneficial use.
Why it matters for Britain
The project brings substantial engineering work and supply-chain opportunities to Kent while building experience in safely decommissioning complex nuclear sites. It should also reduce the long-term cost and care demands associated with Dungeness A.
