Scourwind Nuclear Power Station

SNPS

Scourwind Nuclear Power Station (SNPS) is a Magnox-type nuclear reactor, opened on the Scourwind Peninsular, by Lowmouth, in 1959.

The station had ongoing issues and never operated at full capacity. There was a minor incident at the plant in 1967, and it is thought that the station was only kept running after that because of its links to the military establishment 'Installation No. 4'.

However, a more serious incident occurred in late 1971 which resulted in the release of contaminated water into the lagoons behind the peninsular and a fire in the main turbine hall. Although the seriousness and long-term effects of the 'Scourwind Event' are disputed, it led to the shutting of SNPS as a commercial station, and today it is maintained by a skeleton crew who's job is to monitor ongoing radiation in the structure and the surrounding area.

SNPS control room, 13th Jan 1971, two hours prior to the Scourwind Event.

Access is strictly prohibited under the 'Civil Defence and Wildlife Protection, Scourwind Provisions Act, 1971' to protect rare nesting birds in the vicinity of the reactor site.