Life at Calder Hall - An insider perspective

behind the scenes at the beginning of the civil nuclear age

Calder Hall became the world’s first commercial nuclear power station on the 17th of October 1956. Uncover the untold story of Calder Hall through a remarkable collection of behind-the-scenes photographs. This gallery offers a rare glimpse into the innovation, dedication, and human ingenuity that powered this groundbreaking project. These unique images reveal the inner workings of a facility that symbolized a new era of energy. Witness the people, technology, and moments that defined Calder Hall’s early years, capturing the essence of a time when nuclear power held the promise of a brighter future. Step back in time and experience history firsthand.

Calder Hall

Calder Hall nuclear power station in the United Kingdom, the world's first commercial nuclear power station. The station was officially opened on the 17th of October 1956 by Queen Elizabeth II.

Cooling towers and Boilers

Boilers turn water into steam using heat from the reactor. Heat that cannot be extracted from the steam is later rejected into the atmosphere using the cooling towers.

Boilers surrounded by Piping

Heated gas is carried from the reactor to the boilers. There the gas heats water and turns it into steam. The steam is then sent to the turbines via insulated pipes.

Movement of Fuel Elements

Two workers are moving a set of canisters which contain fuel elements. A reactor building can be seen in the background, along with several steam generators.

Steam Equipment in the Turbine Hall Basement

A series of equipment is used to control the steam as energy is extracted from it. The steam eventually turns back into liquid water and is returned to the boilers.

Generators in the Turbine Hall Basement

Massive generators are mounted in huge concrete structures. The turbines driving the generators are located one level above.

Turbine Hall Basement

Two sets of generators mounted either side, with steam piping visible in the background.

Fuel Inspection

A worker uses measuring instruments to inspect an early version of a Magnox fuel element. Fuel elements would later be transferred into the reactors.

Control Room

Partial view of the control room of one of the reactors. The reactor layout can be seen on the left.

Control Room

Partial view of the control room of one of the reactors. The cooling circuit, with the reactor in the centre, can be seen on the wall in the back.

Gas Sampling

The carbon dioxide gas running through the reactor core is sampled regularly to ensure no fuel elements are leaking.

Charging Deck

The charging deck is used to move fuel into and out of the reactor core. The deck also houses control rod actuators which drive the rods that control the reactor's reactivity.

Gas Blowers

A generator is used to produce power which drives the reactor gas blowers. The gas blowers force carbon dioxide through the reactor core.

Fuel Loading

Magnox fuel elements are being loaded onto the fuel handling machine. The machine goes on to move fuel into the reactor.

Images

Fuel Loading – UK government agencies – Open Government Licence v3.0

All other images – ENERGY.GOV – Public Domain

Explore Nuclear

Life at Calder Hall - An insider perspective

behind the scenes at the beginning of the civil nuclear age

explore nuclear

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