Dounreay Fast Reactor

The experimental fast breeder reactor at Dounreay led British research and development of nuclear energy during the 1950s and 60s.

Housed inside a steel sphere, it was built between 1955 and 1958 to test the concept, and became the first fast reactor in the world to provide electricity to a national grid in 1961. Its 14MW output was enough to power a small town like Thurso (population of approx 9000). It closed down in 1977.

Decommissioning DFR is one of the most significant challenges in the UK today. A blanket of uranium and plutonium breeder material is submerged in 57 tonnes of liquid metal. Both need to be removed to enable the rest of the reactor to be cleaned out and dismantled.

The future of the sphere itself, once the reactor inside has been stripped out, is currently the subject of debate. The sphere is recognised as a local landmark and a national symbol of atomic heritage but is contaminated with radioactivity. A heritage strategy for the site is being prepared and this will identify a preferred option for its retention or removal.

DFR Fact sheet

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Image: Construction of the breeder removal facility

Construction of the breeder removal facility

Image: The polar Goliath crane, inside the sphere

The polar Goliath crane, inside the sphere

Image: Inside the sphere

Inside the sphere

Image: The airlock entry inside the sphere

The airlock entry inside the sphere