DECOMMISSIONING & DISPOSAL | WASTE-INFORMED DECOMMISSIONING
Letting the problem drive the solution
Strategic planning tools such as Data Quality Objectives (DQO) help to clearly map out lifecycle requirements, challenges and opportunities
associated with nuclear waste management and final disposal. It’s a model that ensures that appropriate management and data collection steps are put in place during the full decommissioning process
By Rob Thied, Head of Consultancy (North), NSG Environmental Ltd
FOR ALMOST 70 YEARS, NUCLEAR power has been an integral part of the energy supply chain and it is currently experiencing a resurgence reflecting its green credentials. However, as much of it was built with haste and no focus on how to deal with it afterwards, the nuclear legacy left behind presents complex challenges to decommissioning in uniquely hazardous environments. There is renewed excitement around nuclear with small modular reactor (SMR) technology and plans for new large light water reactors signalling the start of a new nuclear age. But for nuclear to remain a vital part of the energy mix, the industry needs to deal with the legacy of the previous age efficiently and cost-effectively to maintain positive public perception and support and protect future generations. The buildings, plant and related infrastructure
that comprise the nuclear legacy were not designed for decommissioning, follow no uniform structure or design and no unique solution can be deployed. They therefore require innovative solutions to enable their decommissioning and management of the generated wastes, drawing upon past learning and engagement of stakeholders to establish waste-led decommissioning approaches that optimise waste management practices aligned with the waste hierarchy.
Early definition of the decommissioning challenge for
each facility and the options available to address them is fundamental to successful delivery. Whether developing decommissioning strategies, addressing waste disposal challenges or scrutinising engineering designs, adopting a methodical approach delivers outcomes that are underpinned and cost-efficient.
Data-led decision making Waste-led decommissioning implies decommissioning with a focus on waste management. Historically, decommissioning approaches were often designed around the physical process of dismantling, with how the waste was to be managed left as an afterthought, resulting in much of the existing waste legacy that now needs to be dealt with. With the development of waste management infrastructure over the last 15 years, introducing a wider range of treatment and disposal options, there is now an increased focus on segregating wastes for optimised management aligned with the waste hierarchy, with a focus on accessing treatment routes rather than disposal. This change in waste management landscape has also increased scrutiny on the quality of waste characterisation data and demonstration of compliance with waste route acceptance criteria. Strategic planning tools such as Data
Above: The decommissioned Trawsfnydd and other legacy nuclear sites represent a waste management challenge Photo credit: Wozzie/
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34 | July 2024 |
www.neimagazine.com
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