Preliminary Analysis of Clearance and Recycling Options for Metals From Decommissioning in Slovakia

Abstract

Nowadays, decommissioning process of two NPPs in Slovakia (V1 NPP – standard operation, A1 NPP – shut down after an accident) takes place. Therefore, identification of potential waste streams, modification and the optimization of waste management system is one of the top priorities in the next few years. Moreover, implementation of new IAEA Basic Safety Standards (via Council directive 2013/59/EURATOM) into Slovak legislation will result into stricter clearance levels for several radionuclides of concern. This may lead to decrease of amount of materials that may be free released into the environment and may have impact on overall costs of decommissioning. Taking into account current situation in Slovakia, possibilities for waste management optimisation via concepts of clearance, recycling and reuse of materials should be deeply analysed.Method for the overall assessment including safety and economical aspects was developed within research project called CONRELMAT devoted to derivation of clearance levels and evaluation of possible scenarios for reuse and recycling of decommissioning materials both within and outside of nuclear sector. Applied method follows international recommendations related to the basic safety principles and implements the lessons learned from numerous decommissioning costing calculation cases including simulation of material flow.Objective of the paper is to discuss the possibilities for optimization of metal waste management and to present preliminary comparison of various scenarios related to the metal clearance and recycling within nuclear industry. Based on calculations performed within the CONRELMAT project, some of mentioned metal reuse and recycling scenarios are feasible and may save financial resources as well as disposal capacity.