The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Wylfa Site has taken delivery of the last Magnox nuclear fuel elements ever to be manufactured, with the last bulk delivery arriving just before Christmas. Approximately 5.5 million Magnox fuel elements have been produced by Springfields Fuels Limited, near Preston, since 1955 – with more than 600,000 destined for Wylfa.

Nick Gore, Wylfa Site Director, said:

"This is a significant event for Wylfa and the nuclear industry as a whole - it marks the end of an era. I must congratulate all of the staff who have been involved with fuel delivery, inspection and dispatching over the years, and those who have looked after each and every one of the fuel flasks in a safe and controlled manner."

Magnox-type reactors were pioneers of the civil nuclear industry, with the first commercial nuclear power station at Calder Hall coming on line in 1956.

Wylfa and Oldbury (currently the world's oldest operating nuclear power station) are the last remaining operating Magnox stations.

Fact File
The Magnox fleet became the first generation of commercial nuclear power stations in the world
A fuel element is made up of a uranium metal rod encased in magnesium alloy, giving rise to the name 'Magnox'
When Oldbury closes, Wylfa will be the last remaining generating Magnox plant
Wylfa is currently scheduled to shut down at the end of 2012, but, subject to safety case approval, could continue to operate one reactor until 2014, using up existing fuel stocks
Magnox Fuel Elements

At Wylfa, fuel that has been used (or 'spent') is moved into Dry Store Cells on site, before finally being dispatched to Sellafield for reprocessing.

This last fuel will be checked and inspected before being loaded into the site's fuelling machine. This machine will remove the old fuel elements out of the reactors and at the same time replace it with the new elements.

Last year, Wylfa celebrated 40 years of generation and has safely supplied enough electricity to meet the needs of one million British households.