Dounreay

Dounreay is a former nuclear research establishment located on the north coast of Scotland, in the county of Caithness. It operated from 1955 until its closure in 1994.

Originally established by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Dounreay was primarily known for its fast breeder reactor development program. It housed three nuclear reactors: the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR), a prototype fast reactor; the Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (DMTR), a materials testing reactor; and the Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR), a larger scale prototype fast breeder reactor.

The site's activities included research into nuclear fuel fabrication, reprocessing, and waste management. The DFR and PFR reactors were designed to breed plutonium from uranium, potentially providing a more efficient use of uranium resources. However, fast breeder reactor technology ultimately proved to be complex and economically uncompetitive.

Since its closure, Dounreay has been undergoing decommissioning and environmental remediation. This process involves the safe removal and disposal of nuclear materials, the dismantling of redundant buildings and infrastructure, and the remediation of contaminated land. The decommissioning project is a complex and long-term undertaking, managed by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). Significant challenges include dealing with legacy radioactive waste, including intermediate-level waste (ILW) and low-level waste (LLW), as well as historic contamination of the marine environment due to past effluent discharges.

The Dounreay site is a significant employer in the local area, with the decommissioning activities providing jobs and supporting the local economy. The site's legacy continues to be a subject of interest and concern, particularly regarding the safe and environmentally responsible management of its radioactive waste and the long-term implications of its past operations. The decommissioning program is overseen by regulatory bodies, including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).