Dismantling of nuclear power plants
What happens after a nuclear power plant has been permanently shut down? Following final shutdown, a post-operational phase precedes the decommissioning of the facility. The objective is the complete dismantling of the nuclear facility.
After power operation: decommissioning and dismantling
According to Section 7 of the Atomic Energy Act, nuclear power plants whose licence to operate at full power has expired must be decommissioned without undue delay and subsequently dismantled. In addition to power reactors, other facilities – such as prototype and research reactors and nuclear fuel cycle facilities – must also be decommissioned at the end of their operating life.
Depending on the type and purpose of the facility, the type and quantity of radionuclides present can differ considerably. As part of decommissioning planning, radionuclide inventories and plant components are documented, the dismantling sequence is defined, and suitable decontamination and dismantling techniques are selected for individual components.
Decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Germany
In Germany, numerous power and prototype reactors, research reactors, and nuclear fuel cycle facilities have already been decommissioned. Some facilities have undergone complete dismantling, meaning that plant buildings were demolished and the sites cleared and remediated. Germany therefore has extensive practical experience in nuclear facility decommissioning.
