Planning and Implementation of Decommissioning Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities

Complex processes throughout the nuclear fuel cycle result in diverse facility challenges, particularly safely managing large amounts of actinides during decommissioning. With many sites already phased out or in progress, cumulative experience is steering robust, future strategies for these critical operations. The nuclear fuel cycle comprises a diverse range of processes and, consequently, a wide variety of facility types. This diversity typically gives rise to a wider range of decommissioning challenges, such as managing significant quantities of actinides, than in the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Although more than one quarter of nuclear fuel cycle facilities have already been decommissioned or are currently undergoing decommissioning, many existing and newly planned facilities will eventually enter this phase. The experience gained from ongoing decommissioning programmes will play a crucial role in guiding and improving future efforts across a significant number of nuclear fuel cycle facilities.