Scientific and methodological approaches to decommissioning of nuclear power plant units on an industrial basis

Scientific and methodological approaches to decommissioning of nuclear power plant units on an industrial basis.

Safronova N. N.*, Ph. D.

The issues of creating unified technologies, equipment and techniques that are invariant to the original design & engineering and specific features in the course of operation of reactor installations have been studied within the aspects of the problem of mass decommissioning of first-generation NPP power units together with demonstration of the ways to solve it. Along with the traditional methods of NPP power units decommissioning after the expiry of their lifetime, it is proposed to create a methodology for liquidation of the NPP power units based on the unified industrial technologies and the original process of serial production. For creation of the methodology for mass industrial decommissioning of NPPs, it is proposed to focus on the processes related to the development and implementation of a closed-loop cycle for processing of metal and other waste from the nuclear industry, ensuring the return of secondary recycled products to the nuclear industry. The methodology is underpinned by the current trend towards the rational use of natural resources based on the principles of resource conservation, energy efficiency and energy preservation. The unified industrial technologies and the means for their implementation will make it possible in the future to increase the conversion effect of NPP production sites, optimize operation and costs for decommissioning of NPP power units, and, finally, ensure the most rational elimination of the negative consequences of long-term operation of NPP power units. New technical solutions for decommissioning of NPP power units on an industrial basis, relying upon serial engineering technologies with a high degree of automation of processes and the use of robotic systems, can contribute to improving of safety regulations at the final stage of NPP life cycle.
The existing regulatory framework, the design and target approach to ensuring the safety of complex technical systems, and quality control standards for nuclear power installations and energy systems shall be used as the scientific and methodological basis and concept for the industrial decommissioning of NPP power units.

► Keywords: nuclear industry, decommissioning, NPP power units, liquidation, methodology, industrial technologies, quality, waste processing, closed-loop cycle.

Article language: Russian. Pp. 41–51. [in Russian]. DOI: 10.26277/SECNRS.2025.115.1.003.