2 – Overview of nuclear decommissioning principles and approaches

: The primary objective of this chapter is to highlight the principles and boundary conditions to be considered in order to decommission a nuclear facility in an orderly and safe manner. The experience and lessons learned to ensure that the objectives of decommissioning are met are taken into account. Typical reasons for final shutdown of a nuclear facility are given. Whatever the reason for it, it is assumed that the decision on decommissioning is initiated by the operator (licensee) and approved by the appropriate regulatory body(ies). However, the role of other stakeholders can be decisive in a decommissioning project. All the important activities occurring during decommissioning are included as the basis for following chapters. Strategic trends are highlighted and sources of information and references are provided for the reader wishing to know more.