Dounreay net zero plan cuts emissions in half, targets 2045 carbon-free goal

Dounreay, the nuclear decommissioning site in Caithness, has halved its carbon emissions from 34,457 tonnes in 2019/20 to 17,236 tonnes in 2025/26. The site's carbon manager, Chris Simpson, is leading an 18-point action plan to reach net zero before the Scottish Government's 2045 deadline. Key measures include switching from oil-fired heating to heat pumps, electrifying the vehicle fleet, and using lower-carbon concrete and grout in decommissioning work. The biggest challenge is replacing the kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil that currently power the site's heating and steam systems. NRS is working with the University of Bath and Strathclyde on options like industrial-scale heat pumps, electric boilers, and thermal energy storage using heated volcanic rock or sand. The site has also cut the carbon intensity of its spending from 350 tonnes per million pounds to 50 tonnes since 2019, and is adding eco-friendly clauses to supply contracts.