Experience from the decommissioning projects in Gundremmingen KRB a and VAK KAHL

The Gundremmingen Unit A plant (KRB A, 250 MWe BWR) and the VAK plant represent the first generation of nuclear reactors in Germany. KRB A was the first commercial reactor in Germany and VAK (16 MWe BWR) was the pilot nuclear power plant, which had to serve mainly scientific purposes. KRB A is under dismantling since 1983, VAK since 1988. Although both plants are boiling water reactors, there are components, which are comparable with pressurised water reactors, too. Meanwhile a wide range of experience with respect to cutting techniques, decontamination procedures and activity measuring techniques is collected. Due to this we are convinced that the decommissioning of nuclear power plants can be performed with reasonable and predictable costs; without long waiting time for 'safe enclosure'; with low radiation exposure and no impact on the environment and with low amount of radioactive waste. (authors)