Under the current arrangements, all the spent fuel from Sizewell B's reactor since it began producing electricity in 1995 is stored under water in a fuel storage pond. However, this is expected to reach capacity in 2015.
The new Dry Fuel Store will provide capacity for Sizewell B's spent fuel from 2015 for the lifetime of the power station or until a deep geological disposal facility is available.
"This is an important major development for Sizewell B power station, which will ensure we have the ability to continue to store our spent fuel, safely and securely, on site for many years to come," said Jim Crawford, Sizewell B's Station Director
Planning permission for the Dry Fuel Store (DFS) was granted in July 2011. However, it was subject to a number of planning conditions which had to be met before work could begin. These conditions were met and Suffolk Coastal District Council's Planning Committee gave the final go-ahead for the Dry Fuel Store at its meeting on Wednesday, 12 September 2012.
Construction began in the week commencing 14 January 2013, EDF said in a statment.
