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This marked the culmination of my UK Nuclear Collection Roadtrip, a journey which began three years ago with my initial visit to Sizewell Nuclear Power Station. Since then, my goal has been to explore every Nuclear Power-related site across the UK, immersing myself in the distinctive atmosphere of each Power Station. These locations possess a unique sense of awe and mystique, situated away from the mainstream and rarely visited. They often exude a traditional British charm, with settlements that have resisted modern regeneration efforts. Through my photography, I’ve aimed to capture the essence of each Nuclear site, showcasing the elements I’ve described.
You can see the full collection by clicking the following link: UK Nuclear Collection
History
Dungeness Nuclear Power Station, situated on the Dungeness headland in Kent, England, comprises two separate facilities known as Dungeness A and Dungeness B. Dungeness A, the older of the two, commenced construction in the late 1950s and was commissioned in 1965. It housed two Magnox reactors, an early type of nuclear reactor design. Operating for several decades, Dungeness A contributed to the national grid’s electricity supply. However, due to economic and safety considerations, the decision was made to decommission the station, and it ceased operations in 2006. Subsequently, ongoing efforts have focused on the safe decommissioning and disposal of radioactive waste associated with Dungeness A.
Dungeness B, a more modern Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGCR) facility, was constructed on the same site as Dungeness A. Construction began in the 1970s, and the station was commissioned in the early 1980s. Using AGR technology, which employs carbon dioxide as a coolant and graphite as a moderator in the nuclear reaction process, Dungeness B has been generating electricity for the national grid. As of my knowledge cutoff in January 2022, Dungeness B was operational. However, it is crucial to verify the most recent information, as the status of nuclear power stations can change, and developments may have occurred since my last update.
There were discussions in the early 2020s regarding the potential construction of a new nuclear power station, Dungeness C, on the site. Nevertheless, plans for new nuclear developments in the UK have faced uncertainties and challenges, and the status of such projects can evolve over time.
