Nuclear Decommissioning


Book Description

Once a nuclear installation has reached the end of its safe and economical operational lifetime, the need for its decommissioning arises. Different strategies can be employed for nuclear decommissioning, based on the evaluation of particular hazards and their attendant risks, as well as on the analysis of costs of clean-up and waste management. This allows for decommissioning either soon after permanent shutdown, or perhaps a long time later, the latter course allowing for radioactivity levels to drop in any activated or contaminated components. It is crucial for clear processes and best practices to be applied in decommissioning such installations and sites, particular where any significant health and environmental risks exist.This book critically reviews the nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities. Part one focuses on the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process, from principles and safety regulations, to financing and project management. Part two covers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, detailing processes and technologies such as dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse. Finally, part three details international experience in the decommissioning of nuclear applications, including the main nuclear reactor types and nuclear fuel cycle facilities, as well as small nuclear facilities and legacy nuclear waste sites. - Critically reviews nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities - Discusses the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process - Considers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, including dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse




Nuclear Decommissioning, Waste Management, and Environmental Site Remediation


Book Description

Decommissioning nuclear facilities is a relatively new field, which has developed rapidly in the last ten years. It involves materials that may be highly radioactive and therefore require sophisticated methods of containment and remote handling. The wastes arising from decommissioning are hazardous and have to be stored or disposed of safely in order to protect the environment and future generations. Nuclear decommissioning work must be carried out to the highest possible standards to protect workers, the general public and the environment. This book describes the techniques used for dismantling redundant nuclear facilities, the safe storage of radioactive wastes and the restoration of nuclear licensed sites.* Describes the techniques used for dismantling nuclear facilities, safe storage of radioactive wastes, and the restoration of nuclear licensed facilities. * Provides the reader with decommissioning experience accumulated over 15 years by UKAEA. * Contains valuable information to personnel new to decommissioning and waste management.




Decommissioning


Book Description

The processes and associated dilemmas of nuclear power plant decommissioning are reviewed in this publication. Decommissioning involves the clearing up and disposal of a retired nuclear plant and its equipment of such a way as to safeguard the public from the dangers of radioactivity. Related problem areas are identified and include: (1) closure methods (discussing the options of decontamination and dismantlement, storage, and reaction of a permenent tomb); (2) high-level waste management (identifying spent fuel removal and disposal problems); (3) retired reactor disposal (citing examples of waste management systems employed in the United States and in Europe); (4) economics (providing cost estimates for major expense items); (5) savings mechanisms (proposing efforts to offset future decommissioning costs); and (6) long-term strategies (urging the need for safe disposal and decommissioning research and development programs). (ML)




Financing the Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities


Book Description

Abstract: Decommissioning of both commercial and R&D nuclear facilities is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and the largest of such industrial decommissioning projects could command considerable budgets. It is important to understand the costs of decommissioning projects in order to develop realistic cost estimates as early as possible based on preliminary decommissioning plans, but also to develop funding mechanisms to ensure that future decommissioning expenses can be adequately covered. Sound financial provisions need to be accumulated early on to reduce the potential risk for residual, unfunded liabilities and the burden on future generations, while ensuring environmental protection. Decommissioning planning can be subject to considerable uncertainties, particularly in relation to potential changes in financial markets, in energy policies or in the conditions and requirements for decommissioning individual nuclear installations, and such uncertainties need to be reflected in regularly updated cost estimates. This booklet offers a useful overview of the relevant aspects of financing the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. It provides information on cost estimation for decommissioning, as well as details about funding mechanisms and the management of funds based on current practice in NEA member countries







Nuclear Regulation


Book Description




Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants


Book Description







Decommissioning at a Multifacility Site


Book Description

In recent years, several Member States have completed the decommissioning of multifacility nuclear sites. This publication consolidates their technical and organizational experience, and provides information and practical guidance that promotes safe, timely and cost effective implementation. All phases of decommissioning are discussed, from planning and dismantling to waste management and site release, as well as organizational schemes and funding. This publication is intended for decision makers, plant operators, contractors and regulators involved in planning, management, authorization and execution of decommissioning activities. It is particularly relevant for multifacility site operators with nuclear facilities approaching the end of their foreseen lifetime. The publication will also be of interest for the designers and builders of new nuclear installations in order to facilitate eventual decommissioning.