Focus for 2025: Clearing the Way Toward the Containment Domes

Significant demolition remains in full swing at SONGS as work to knock down the remaining structures within the power block continues, including the main operations structures of the nuclear power plant. Between January and late March, nearly 300 railcars carrying crushed concrete and other industrial debris have left the site, for a total of nearly 1,700 railcar loads since August 2023. Most large components within the containment buildings are removed. Final cut-up of the Unit 3 steam generators and the Unit 2 and 3 reactor vessels will be complete by year end. Once that’s finished, our focus will turn to the two containment domes.

This photo of the Unit 3 containment dome is a view most have never seen. What’s missing is the Unit 3 penetration and adjacent radiological buildings that housed complex systems of valves, pumps, pipes and wires essential for plant operations. Another photo shows the Unit 2 reactor cavity that housed the reactor vessel, where the fission process occurred. This in turn heated water which enabled the steam generators to create the steam that turned the turbines to generate electricity.

We are making tremendous progress. Come take a walking tour of the plant, see for yourself and hear the stories of our people who have proudly served the community for more than 40 years.

Decommissioning Progress by the Numbers

• 46 of 62 buildings demolished
• 474 million pounds of waste shipped offsite
• 1,787 rail cars transported waste and materials offsite
• 107 million pounds of decommissioning material recycled
• 50 public meetings of the SONGS Community Engagement Panel
• More than 500 tours hosting 8,000 visitors witnessing our progress