Mactech Energy Group has been a long-term partner in supporting the decommissioning of the Magnox fleet, working alongside a major tier 1 contractor for over a decade. Our primary focus has been on two key sites, Bradwell and Winfrith, both of which are in advanced stages of decommissioning.

At Bradwell, Mactech supplied supervisory staff and decommissioning teams responsible for a range of essential activities, including demolition, decontamination, de-planting, removal, cladding, and site remediation. Bradwell was regarded as a test case for innovative decommissioning techniques and processes, which would set the standard for future projects within the Magnox fleet during the pre-Care & Maintenance phase.

At Winfrith, we provided a comprehensive, local decommissioning team to support our tier 1 contractor across multiple significant projects. These included the dismantling of both the Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor (SGHWR) and the prototype gas-cooled Dragon reactor, two highly complex reactors that required specific expertise in safe decommissioning.

The decommissioning of nuclear power stations presents significant logistical and technical challenges. Both Bradwell and Winfrith were unique, requiring a combination of innovative techniques and careful project management.

At Bradwell, the challenge was to employ new methods that would be used as a benchmark for future decommissioning projects across the Magnox fleet. This required not only skilled personnel but also a high degree of flexibility and innovation.

At Winfrith, the challenge was different: the client required a fully local workforce to meet specific community and project needs. Sourcing specialised decommissioning personnel from the local area, with the necessary qualifications and security clearances, added a layer of complexity to recruitment efforts. Additionally, the decommissioning of two distinct reactor types – the SGHWR and Dragon reactor – demanded highly specialised expertise.

Both projects had to comply with strict nuclear regulations while ensuring safety and efficiency throughout the decommissioning process.

Mactech Energy Group successfully addressed these challenges by leveraging its extensive experience in nuclear staffing and its broad recruitment reach.

At Bradwell, Mactech deployed supervisors and decommissioning teams who were well-versed in the latest demolition, decontamination, and remediation techniques. Many of these processes were cutting-edge, designed to serve as a model for future projects across the Magnox fleet. Mactech’s personnel worked under the management of the tier 1 contractor to ensure that all activities were carried out safely and in line with regulatory requirements.

At Winfrith, Mactech provided a fully local workforce, meeting the client’s specification that all decommissioning personnel be sourced from the surrounding area. This was made possible by Mactech’s extensive database and recruitment capabilities, ensuring the right people were on-site to support the decommissioning of both the SGHWR and Dragon reactors. Working closely with the client’s proposals department at the tender stage, Mactech was able to offer a range of staffing options tailored to the specific needs of the project.

Throughout both projects, Mactech’s collaborative approach ensured that staffing solutions were flexible, scalable, and aligned with the timelines and operational requirements of each site.