Methodology to Manage Material and Waste from Nuclear Decommissioning
Published February 2019
The nuclear industry has acquired considerable experience, as well as developed good practices, in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. In 2015, the Waste Management & Decommissioning Working Group of World Nuclear Association decided to produce a report that would bring together this knowledge and expertise, to provide guidance to those facing new decommissioning challenges.
During the plenary sessions of the Waste Management & Decommissioning Working Group and the Annual Symposium of World Nuclear Association, the status of the report was regularly presented to the nuclear community. This allowed the authors to continuously develop and update the report by taking into account new processes, improvements and events. In addition, the authors cooperated with other international organisations (such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the European Commission) to ensure that the report would complement the findings and objectives of these organisations.
It is intended that Methodology to Manage Material and Waste from Nuclear Decommissioning will serve as a practical guide to decommissioning nuclear plants, allowing both established nuclear stakeholders and those new to the industry to learn from past experience. It outlines international good practice and gives details on potential methodologies for decommissioning and dismantling waste management programmes. Where appropriate, the report attempts to summarise the wealth of decommissioning experience and include guidance on the deployment of proven tools, techniques and processes. The report is intended for policy makers, utilities, regulators and other relevant industry participants, especially where there is little developed capability, long-term track record or experience.
World Nuclear Association is the international organisation that represents the global nuclear industry. Its mission is to promote a wider understanding of nuclear energy among key international influencers by producing authoritative information, developing common industry positions, and contributing to the energy debate.
The Association’s Waste Management & Decommissioning Working Group contains experts from nuclear operators, vendors, contractors, scientists, analysts and observers. The Working Group monitors developments and shapes industry positions with a view to improving the system of waste management and decommissioning. It promotes the appropriate re-use and recycling of material – and safe disposal of waste – from nuclear sites.