Current trends in decommissioning and environmental remediation of nuclear facilities

The decommissioning and environmental remediation of civil nuclear facilities represents a considerable challenge for the countries involved in this activity around the world. It includes aspects and problems associated with management, technology, safety and the environment. Over the past few decades, operators worldwide have acquired important experience in the decommissioning and environmental remediation of nuclear sites. A large number of nuclear facilities have ceased operations, and it is envisaged that this number will increase considerably over the coming years. Seventeen power reactors have already been decommissioned, out of more than 150 power reactors shut down or undergoing decommissioning, while more than 180 research reactors have been shut down or are being decommissioned with more than 300 already fully decommissioned. A total of 170 other nuclear cycle facilities have been shut down or are being decommissioned and a further 125 have been completely decommissioned. Spain is one of the countries with experience and activity under way in this field.