EDF Energy has completed fuel removal from Unit 1 of the shut down Hinkley Point B power station in southwest England, the first in the UK’s fleet of 14 advanced gas-cooled reactor (AGR) nuclear power plants at seven sites.

The UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said it had overseen the operation as preparations begin to remove spent fuel from twin plant Hinkley Point B-2.

Hinkley Point B began its defueling phase in August 2022 after 46 years of electricity generation, the ONR said.