Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities

International Conference on Lessons Learned from the Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and the Safe Termination of Nuclear Activities, 11-15 December 2006, Athens, Greece

Background

An international conference was held in October 2002 on specific issues (e.g., removal of controls, social issues, funding, planning, etc.) that resulted in an International Action Plan on Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities. An international workshop co-sponsored by the NEA/IAEA/European Commission was held in Rome, Italy, in September 2004 that allowed discussion of topics to determine if all key issues are being addressed. The present conference may be seen as following on from these meetings by addressing the subject from a more practical perspective. proceedings (.pdf)

Scope

The following main topics were covered:

Evolution of national and international policies and criteria for the safe and efficient decommissioning of nuclear facilities and safe termination of nuclear activities
Review of lessons learned from ongoing or completed activities associated with decommissioning
Improvement of safety and efficiency through the use of new and innovative technologies
Practical aspects in the management of material, waste and sites resulting from decommissioning, including the management of waste in the absence of repositories and waste acceptance requirements
Procedures for demonstrating compliance with clearance criteria;
Experience from radiological assessments associated with decommissioning
Involvement of the local communities and the impact that decommissioning activities has on them
Management and optimisation of occupational radiation protection during decommissioning

Objective

The objective of the conference was to foster information exchange on the safe and efficient termination of practices that involve the use of radioactive substances and to promote improved coherence internationally on strategies and criteria.

Outcomes

President's findings;

Opening address;

Closing address;

For further information please contact B.Batandjieva