In a move that reinforces the environmental commitment of British nuclear projects, Sizewell C has begun reusing more than 15,000 tonnes of recycled concrete from Sizewell A. This recycled material is being used as structural sub-base in the new facility, helping to significantly reduce both carbon emissions and the need for extracted resources.
Recycled concrete applied to nuclear engineering
The material, previously part of the turbine hall at Sizewell Awas processed and certified according to WRAP quality protocol. After passing strict safety tests, it was transported locally to Sizewell C’s main construction area. This operation avoided the emission of 28 tons of CO₂ and limited almost 800 heavy vehicle trips on Suffolk roads.
The collaboration between Sizewell C, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), the Environment Agency and the Local Council has been key to closing the life cycle of the demolished concrete. The regulatory bodies facilitated the legal and technical process so that the material was not treated as conventional waste, but reused for structural purposes.
Environmental, logistical and economic impact
The approach adopted has generated benefits on four levels: ecological, by reducing emissions and conserving natural resources; ecological, by reducing emissions and conserving natural resources; and ecological, by reducing emissions and conserving natural resources. conserving natural resources; logistical, by minimizing transportation traffic; economic, by reducing aggregate procurement costs; andThe approach has generated benefits on four levels: ecological, by reducing emissions and conserving natural resources; logistical, by minimizing transportation traffic; economic, by reducing aggregate procurement costs; and social, by integrating local suppliers and reducing the operational footprint on the community.
Environmental and local government authorities believe that this initiative should serve as a reference for other sites in the decommissioning process. decommissioning sites in the UK. in the United Kingdom. The project demonstrates that circular economy principles can be effectively applied to nuclear infrastructure without compromising safety and construction efficiency.
Source and photo: Sizewell C