Technologies for nuclear plant decommissioning

After the commercial operation of a nuclear power plant has been shutdown, the plant enters a decommissioning phase where it is dismantled and removed. The Tokai Power Station was shutdown at the end of March 1998, followed by 'Fugen' and a light water reactor. The number of decommissioned plants in Japan is likely to increase in the future. Based on experience gained from the construction and maintenance of nuclear plants, Fuji Electric has developed techniques essential for decommissioning work. This paper describes recent technologies developed in this field, such as remote dismantling techniques for the reactor core and treatment and disposal techniques for the dismantled waste. (author)