Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant

The Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant is a nuclear reprocessing facility at Sellafield that processes spent reactor fuel through chemical separation methods. The plant recovers plutonium and uranium from spent fuel for potential reuse.

Construction began in the 1970s and the facility opened in 1994, representing a major shift in how Britain handled spent nuclear fuel management. This timeline reflects the growing complexity of nuclear recycling in the late 20th century.

The facility employs 10,000 workers from West Cumbria, forming a substantial nuclear industry community in the region.

The facility is not open to public visits as it operates under strict security protocols for handling radioactive materials. Information about the plant and nuclear fuel reprocessing is available at nearby visitor centers and museums in the area.

A significant nitric acid leak occurred in 2005, leading to major operational reforms and strengthened safety procedures across the facility. This incident reshaped how the plant manages its chemical processing systems.