Applying Decommissioning Experience to the Design and Operation of New Nuclear Power
Plants
Experience from decommissioning projects suggests that the decommissioning of nuclear
power plants could be made easier if it received greater consideration at the design
stage and during the operation of the plants. Better forward planning for decommissioning
results in lower worker doses and reduced costs. When appropriate design measures
are not taken at an early stage, their introduction later in the project becomes increasingly
difficult. Hence, their early consideration may lead to smoother and more effective
decommissioning.
It is now common practice to provide a preliminary decommissioning plan as part of
the application for a licence to operate a nuclear facility. This means, in turn,
that decommissioning issues are being considered during the design process. Although
many design provisions aiming at improved operation and maintenance will be beneficial
for decommissioning as well, designers also need to consider issues that are specific
to decommissioning, such as developing sequential dismantling sequences and providing
adequate egress routes. These issues and more are discussed in this report.
Published on April 21, 2010Also available in: French
In series:Radioactive Waste Managementview more titles