Site introduction
Harwell was the birthplace of the UK’s nuclear industry. Today, its international reputation for pioneering excellence continues with the decommissioning and environmental restoration of the site, and the creation of a world-class science and innovation campus.
The Harwell site was originally an RAF station. In 1946 it became Britain’s Atomic Energy Research Establishment. Most of the nuclear reactors and research facilities on site were built in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and continued to operate until the 1990s.
Since then, work has been in progress to safely decommission and dismantle redundant facilities, manage radioactive wastes and restore the site in a way that is safe, secure and environmentally responsible.
More than a third of the task has been achieved and around 140 facilities removed. Three major projects to remediate areas of contaminated land have been completed. Seven hectares of land have been delicensed.
The designated area managed and operated by RSRL forms part of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, a major science and business centre. As land on the site is delicensed, it is released for commercial development as part of the Campus, ensuring that, as nuclear liabilities are removed, a valuable legacy is left.
Harwell Site Operations
B220.29 Operations
B459 Operations
