Significant Progress at the SIXEP Continuity Plant
The SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of a series of major crane lifts at the Sellafield site. This new facility, being developed under the Programme and Project Partners (PPP) initiative, is now three-quarters complete and remains on schedule to commence operations by 2029.
The main structures of the plant have been finalised and are now protected from the elements. Current efforts are concentrated on the internal fitting out of the plant and the installation of specialised equipment essential for its operation.
Transitioning to a Modernised Operation
Upon its completion, the SCP will assume the responsibilities of the existing Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP), which has been in operation since 1985. This facility is crucial to the operations at Sellafield, as it effectively removes radioactive substances from the water used in various site activities prior to safe discharge into the sea. Often referred to as the site’s “kidneys”, it plays a vital role in ensuring this process is conducted safely.
Recent operational advancements include the successful positioning of 14 pump and valve modules, each weighing 16 tonnes, as well as the installation of a 55-tonne gantry crane, which spans an impressive 21 metres across the plant.
Expertise in Action
Steve Harnwell, Managing Director of PPP, expressed his satisfaction regarding the arrival of the plant’s operational equipment on site. He noted, “After years of design, engineering, and manufacturing, I’m delighted to see the plant’s operational equipment arriving on site. Installing this equipment on a nuclear site is no mean feat, and our teams have meticulously planned every detail.”
Harnwell further emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “Every major project we are delivering at Sellafield is a step towards safely managing and reducing the UK’s most hazardous nuclear materials. We are delivering storage facilities for various types of nuclear material, processing plants, and analytical facilities—each serving a purposeful infrastructure.”
A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact
This ambitious venture is the result of collaboration among numerous organisations, all working in unison. It stands as a testament to what UK infrastructure can accomplish through purposeful delivery, expert leadership, and the creation of enduring value.
As more equipment arrives and installations progress, the SCP edges closer to its operational readiness. The new facility is set to continue its critical functions until at least 2060, thus supporting Sellafield’s mission to mitigate risks and advance the long-term clean-up programme of the site.
This progress coincides with the seventh anniversary of PPP’s operations at Sellafield. Established in 2019, PPP unites Sellafield Ltd, KBR, Amentum, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Altrad Babcock, and a diverse supply chain to execute major infrastructure projects.