CYCLIFE | ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
Cyclife is paving the way to a sustainable nuclear future
The global shutdown of hundreds of reactors implies an increase in waste management. Solutions provided must preserve resources while considering the environment.
APPROXIMATELY 200 NUCLEAR REACTORS are being decommissioned worldwide, accounting for 80% of light water reactors (LWRs) along with fuel cycle and research facilities. This results in the generation of more radioactive waste that needs to be managed. In Europe, metals from current dismantling projects are expected to exceed one million tonnes. Solutions grounded in the principles of a circular economy must be developed to reduce consumption of raw materials (iron, coal, nickel, etc.) and carbon dioxide production, while preserving repository capacity. Since 2016, Cyclife has been offering its customers
innovative solutions combining a waste-led strategy in nuclear decommissioning and waste management. These solutions have been developed to streamline processes, optimise schedules and costs, and minimise final waste volumes. As a strategic partner, Cyclife is contributing to a sustainable future for nuclear energy. Cyclife, a subsidiary of EDF, operates three treatment
facilities in Europe and six decommissioning centres. Its Swedish facility is set to increase its processing capacity of very large components to 10,000 t/year by 2025, with a focus on steam generators. This strategic initiative responds to global market demand and future needs as part of an enhanced circular economy approach.
A proven sustainable dismantling process Cyclife has a track record in decommissioning. This includes the design and construction of new waste facilities, remotely operated tools, dismantling scenarios, and processes for LWRs and more complex reactors (graphite, fast breeder reactors), digital tools, and providing onsite specialists. The company’s engineering teams undertake the design
and construction of new metallic waste treatment systems, tailored to align with each customer’s specific waste management strategy. The company develops innovative solutions for types of waste, including resins, sludges and asbestos. Cyclife possesses significant expertise in the dismantling, evacuation, transport and treatment of full-size steam generators. In terms of treatment, Cyclife deploys a sustainable process that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. This process aims to preserve repository capacities, minimise raw material consumption and reduce carbon dioxide production. Depending on the treatment applied the recycling rate is up to 80% and the volume reduction rate is up to 95%.
Advanced technologies for the dismantling of complex nuclear technologies Some reactor technologies are more complex and require advanced dismantling solutions: full automation, artificial intelligence and remote operation. Cyclife is implementing full-scale mock-ups and digital simulations to establish advanced and innovative techniques for optimising final operations method/tool qualification. Cyclife and EDF are running this programme in an industrial demonstrator labelled as an ‘International Collaborating Centre’ by the IAEA. Digital innovation and robotics are pivotal to improving efficiency, optimising dismantling scenarios, and mitigating risk. At Cyclife, teams focus on creating advanced technologies that reduce uncertainty and train operators to improve safety and efficiency. ■
Left: This 3D collaborative tool, which combines virtual reality and digital twins, was developed by Cyclife Digital Solutions and Graphitech to enhance stakeholder engagement. Photo credit: Cyclife - Philippe Eranian
Bottom left: At Cyclife Sweden, the volume of decontaminated metal from a large component is reduced up to 95% through hot cutting and/or melting. Photo credit: Cyclife - Philippe Eranian
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