How the Circular Economy is Transforming Nuclear Decommissioning

Recycling is already widespread in decommissioning work. After dismantling, large metal components can be melted down and turned into 'new' metal to be returned to the economy. Equipment parts can be reused in other operating nuclear facilities, and materials from demolished buildings, such as concrete, can be used as fill material for site restoration or in other construction projects, including for houses and roads. For example, when the Australian research reactor MOATA, located in Sydney, was decommissioned in 2009, more than 85 per cent of the materials were reused or recycled.

Materials left over after decommissioning that cannot be decontaminated and cleaned up for reuse or recycling are disposed of as radioactive waste in repositories of different types until it no longer presents a hazard to humans or the environment (see here).

There are several examples of repurposed nuclear sites, including nuclear power plants, research reactors and other facilities used in medicine or industry. Nuclear power plant sites can be turned into waste processing and storage facilities or research centres for training operating personnel. The sites can become industrial parks and buildings can be given new life through repurposing for other conventional industries, attracting businesses and creating new jobs.

In the French city of Grenoble, six nuclear facilities, including three research reactors, one laboratory and two radioactive waste storage facilities, were successfully decontaminated and dismantled in 2012. The site is now used as a research and development centre for green energy technology and renewable energy sources, focusing on electric vehicles, batteries and hydrogen.

The IAEA provides a space for countries, organizations and individuals to cooperate and share knowledge and technology in the field of decommissioning. The IAEA's e-learning platform contains lectures on decommissioning, environmental remediation, radioactive waste and spent fuel management.

The IAEA's International Decommissioning Network (IDN) was set up in 2007 to provide a forum enabling professionals involved in decommissioning to collaborate and interact. In addition, the IAEA supports capacity building in Member States and facilitates expert missions, peer review and advisory services for decommissioning programmes and other related activities, such as radioactive waste and spent fuel management.

"The circular economy offers a promising approach to adapting the industry to sustainability and circularity, reducing the environmental impact and conserving resources for future generations," Michal concluded.