Pioneering work with demolition plan and international expertise. BR3: final milestone in the dismantlement of the first pressurised water reactor

In 2022, SCK CEN chopped up a large part of the biological shield of Belgian Reactor 3 (BR3). BR3, Europe's first pressurised water reactor, entered into operation in 1962 in Mol, Belgium, and was decommissioned in 1987. The dismantling process of the very first large reactor has been ongoing ever since. The project is now nearing completion; according to the schedule, the outer biological shield will be dismantled during 2023. Since BR3 was used as a prototype for the nuclear power reactors of Doel and Tihange, the dismantling has created a unique database and basis for the decommissioning plan of these nuclear plants. The biological shield of BR3 is 15 metres high and 1.2 metres thick. The dismantling requires the disposal of about 1,200 tonnes of concrete. SCK CEN's calculation model uses historical data, such as measurements and samples, to calculate which concrete parts no longer contain radiation and may be released. After extensive analysis and control measurements, the model was approved by Bel V, the Belgian organisation charged with regulatory control. No additional tests are required for conditional release.