The NEA's co-operative programme on decommissioning

In 1985, the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD set up the International Co-operative Programme for the Exchange of Scientific and Technical Information Concerning Nuclear Decommissioning Projects. Twelve countries currently participate in the Programme working on 35 listed projects. The Programme is focused on seven broad areas: assessment of activity inventories; cutting techniques; remote operation; decontamination; melting; radioactive waste management; health and safety. Some topics studied by technical Task Groups are described. These include: decommissioning costs; decontamination; materials recycling and reuse; measurement of materials before release to ensure contamination is below the clearance level. The future work of the Programme is briefly discussed. (UK)