Critical issues in the transition from operation to decommissioning of nuclear installations

The transition phase between plant operation and decommissioning is a critical one. In this period a number of modifications - both technical and organizational - are in order to adjust the plant to new objectives and requirements. It is essential that detailed planning for decommissioning begins in good time during plant operation and actions preparatory to implementation of the decommissioning strategy are initiated immediately after permanent shutdown to ensure a gradual transition and to minimize uncontrolled loss of resources. It is unfortunately common experience that this transition process is often managed inefficiently.There is therefore a great deal of room for improvement on a worldwide scale. The paper highlights the management and organizational issues in this transition period and provides guidance to minimize delays and undue extra costs, optimize personnel and other resources and initiate activities that are a precursor to decommissioning in a planned, timely and cost effective manner. (author)