goingcritical:calder-hall-1United Kingdom · Power reactor

Calder Hall 1

Developer: UK Atomic Energy Authority

Site: Sellafield, Cumbria

Status: Critical since May 1, 1956 critical

Summary:

World's first commercial-scale nuclear power station (opened by Queen Elizabeth II, October 17, 1956)

Details

DesignMagnox gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor
Capacity49 MWe

Milestone history

  1. Announced —
  2. Construction start August 1, 1953
  3. Fuel load —
  4. First criticality May 1, 1956
  5. Grid connection August 27, 1956
  6. Commercial operation October 1, 1956

References

  1. World Nuclear Association reactor database, Calder Hall 1
  2. World Nuclear News, 60th anniversary of Calder Hall