Hinkley Point B declared fuel-free after three years of defueling
Nuclear power station enters new phase as defueling process officially ends
Last updated 13th Jan 2026
Hinkley Point B, the nation’s first operating Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor, reached a major milestone this week, as it was officially declared fuel-free by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
The nuclear power station, which began operating in 1976, ended its generating life in August 2022. In the time it was online, it produced enough electricity to power homes from Cornwall to Gloucestershire for 33 years. Since then, the site has been undergoing defueling, a process that involved removing all remaining nuclear fuel from the reactors.
The final shipment of fuel left the site on 28th November 2025, and the granting of Fuel Free Verification status marks the completion of this task.
A pivotal achievement for Hinkley Point B
Hinkley Point B Station Director, Des Uminski, said the completion of defueling was a significant moment: “This is a huge moment for the Hinkley Point B team. For our first 46 years we focussed on turning out the megawatts for the nation. In 2022 we shifted to turning out the fuel as we emptied our reactors. As of today, our focus is on the full, safe decommissioning of the site.
“I want to thank the teams here at Hinkley B who removed the fuel in just over three years. We knew this would be a challenge – but as usual our staff have risen to it and delivered brilliantly.
“We have had many years to prepare for this moment and the change that it means, but it is still a pivotal point in our site history and for our teams.”
Defueling began in September 2022, tackling the removal of 616 stringers of nuclear fuel. The operation relied on specially engineered fuel flasks for transportation. Once packaged, the flasks were transported by rail to Sellafield for safe storage, overseen by Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS).
Teamwork and the road ahead
The successful defueling process highlights significant collaboration between EDF Energy, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and its associated organisations. Hinkley Point B is set to transfer to the NDA for full decommissioning later this year.
David Peattie, NDA group CEO, emphasised the importance of the accomplishment: “This has been a real team effort with strong collaboration displayed throughout between EDF and the NDA group. It’s a tremendous achievement for everyone involved, in particular the dedicated team at Hinkley Point B, who we look forward to welcoming into our group this year.
“The successful defueling of the first two AGR stations demonstrates we have the right capability, affirming the government’s confidence in us to expand our mission.
“We’re proud to utilise our unique expertise and resources, both to keep the nation safe and support the country’s energy security ambitions.”
Hinkley Point B is now focused on the next phase of its life, which will involve safe and thorough decommissioning efforts led by Nuclear Restoration Services, part of the NDA group.