We’re cleaning-up and decommissioning these iconic reminders of our pioneering nuclear history and transforming the Sellafield skyline in the process.

What is Windscale Pile 2?

Windscale Pile 2 was the second of two air-cooled, graphite-moderated nuclear reactors built as part of Britain’s post-war atomic weapons program.

It became operational in 1951, following the launch of Pile 1 in 1950.

Like its twin, Pile 2 was designed to produce plutonium-239 by irradiating natural uranium fuel.

Windscale Pile 2 when operational on the original Windscale site.

Both Piles remained in operation until they were shut down in 1957 following a fire in the core of Pile 1.

How did it work?

Both reactors shared the same basic design, centred around plutonium production. It consisted of three key str

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