Decommissioning of nuclear installations in Europe
The European Commission has published a review of the situation of decommissioning of nuclear installations in Europe, based on a report by external consultants. A considerable number of nuclear power plants and associated processing installations have been built in Europe since the 1950s. many of these have reached the end of their operating lives, or are close to being withdrawn from service. Decommissioning is the process by which the radioactive material is removed following shut down, and can in some instances take decades to complete. A report previously drawn up for the Commission identifies all nuclear installations shut down up to 1992. The purpose of the present report is to extend that list up to the end of 1995. In addition, it aims to provide information on the stage reached in decommissioning at each installation, and identify the monitoring and inspection procedures and experiences at these installations. The report also identifies the relevant codes and standards applicable to decommissioning in Member States, and licensing requirements where available.