Sizewell C is set to reuse more than 15,000 tonnes of recycled concrete from the turbine alternator plinths at Sizewell A, marking a significant step forward in sustainable construction.

The turbine hall at Sizewell A has been demolished as part of the site’s ongoing decommissioning, led by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS).

All recycled materials have undergone rigorous safety testing and have been transported just a few hundred metres up the coast to Sizewell C’s Main Construction Area (MCA), where they’re being repurposed as sub-bases for various foundation platforms.

This landmark collaboration significantly reduces shared costs and carbon emissions, and the need for newly mined aggregates.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director, Sizewell C, said: “This is another example of how Sizewell C is working with local projects to maximise benefits, not just for us, but for the local community. By reusing this material, we’re reducing the number of trucks transporting aggregate through East Suffolk, while further reaffirming our commitment of minimising our environmental impact during construction. This is great news all round.”

Wendy Heath, NRS senior project manager, said: “This innovative approach has prevented 28 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by diverting waste from landfill, completing the circular economy for this material. This marks a first-of-its-kind achievement for NRS and showcases how collaborative working is enabling sustainable decommissioning.

“By reducing waste and minimising traffic on local roads, we’re actively supporting the future of clean energy. It’s a clear demonstration of NRS values in action – placing safety, sustainability, and community impact at the heart of everything we do.”

Senior representatives from the Environment Agency and the local authority approached the Sizewell C project team with the opportunity to repurpose this material, which would otherwise be treated as waste.

Since September, Sizewell A has been carrying out the crushing, testing, and certification of the concrete to ensure it meets the WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) Quality Protocol. Once certified, the material has then been transported to the Sizewell C site as recycled aggregate. Transfers are now complete.

This initiative has delivered multiple benefits including  cost savings, reduced procurement costs from using locally sourced aggregate and traffic reduction - almost 800 vehicle movements will be confined to the vicinity of Sizewell A and Sizewell C, reducing construction traffic on local roads.