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Technical Meeting on the Decommissioning of Heavy Water Reactors
Background
Numerous nuclear heavy water reactors (HWRs) are in operation around the world. The HWRs are presented as power reactors or research reactors. Most industrial power HWRs are presented by ‘pressurized heavy-water moderated and cooled reactors’ (PHWRs). In addition, there are ‘heavy-water moderated, gas cooled reactors’ (HWGCRs) and ‘heavy-water moderated, boiling light-water cooled reactors (HWLWRs). A number of such HWRs have already been permanently shut down, under decommissioning or decommissioned, joining many other reactors that will require decommissioning in the near future.
The IAEA Technical Report Series No 407 “Heavy Water Reactors: Status and Projected Development” (2002) describes the characteristics of HWRs, provides an insight into the technology for use by specialists in countries considering nuclear programmes.
The IAEA TECDOC-2015 on “Best Practices in the Refurbishment of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors” (2022) summarizes various aspects of the refurbishment projects based on the materials and discussions presented at the Technical Meeting on Best Practices in the Refurbishment of Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors, organised in Toronto, Canada on 2-6 December 2019.
While these publications do not cover the decommissioning aspects, they provide the fundamental background and characteristics of HWRs. Continual HWRs’ decommissioning planning and implementation activities taking place around the world also enrich the decommissioning experience and lessons learned in managing the final stage of HWRs.
Objectives
The objective of this event is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and lessons learned about technical and organisational aspects of planning and conducting decommissioning of HWRs including associated challenges. Issues addressed to heavy water and tritium management as well as project management and costing considerations are to be covered as part of preparation for decommissioning.
The technical decommissioning activities to be presented and discussed might range from characterization, decontamination, dismantling, demolition etc. to apply or adapt existing decommissioning strategy(ies) and new technologies for decommissioning.
The deadline for submission of applications and abstract (Forms A, B and C through InTouch+ Platform) is 11 October 2024.
Professionals from operating organizations, regulatory bodies, other national authorities, policy makers, and technical support organizations that are or will be involved in the planning, implementation of decommissioning of heavy water reactors presented by power reactors and research reactors.