The IAEA is launching a new Coordinated Research Project (CRP) aimed at helping to transform the decommissioning of nuclear facilities through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies. The CRP, titled “Deployment of Innovative Digital Technologies for Efficient Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities” (DEDICATE), will enhance international cooperation and support countries in planning and implementing decommissioning operations.
Decommissioning involves a complex set of activities whereby a nuclear facility is characterized, decontaminated and dismantled so that it can be released from regulatory control. The final part involves an extensive survey to confirm the absence of any significant radioactivity. During decommissioning a large quantity of materials and waste is typically generated, though a major portion of such amount is not radioactively contaminated.
With a large number of nuclear power plants scheduled to reach the end of their operational lives in the coming decades, future decommissioning needs are expected to be significant. The CRP will explore the potential of new and emerging technologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of decommissioning processes. In particular, the use of digital technologies and techniques to support planning, data, and knowledge management, and optimizing implementation through robotics, automation technologies, and artificial intelligence is expected to enhance execution effectiveness.
“As digital advancements continue to reshape various industries, the DEDICATE project stands at the forefront of bringing these advancements to the nuclear decommissioning sector to transform how the decommissioning of nuclear facilities is managed, increasing safety, efficiency and sustainability,” said Gloria Kwong, Head of the IAEA’s Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section.
The new CRP will address the deployment of digital technologies for effective management and use of comprehensive data sources and documentation for decommissioning. It will also provide benchmarking opportunities for innovative digital technologies and practical approaches for the effective planning and sustainable implementation of nuclear facility decommissioning. Benchmarking practical approaches might also include the use of robotics and remotely controlled systems planned for decommissioning operations.
CRP Overall Objective:
The overall objective is to strengthen cooperation and enhance the Member State’s capabilities in effective planning and sustainable decommissioning of nuclear facilities through the deployment of innovative digital technologies, including practical approaches for legacy and up-to-date data governance, optimization of dismantling processes, and associated waste management.
Specific Research Objectives:
- To deploy digital technologies for effective management and use of legacy and up-to-date data sources and documentation for decommissioning.
- To provide benchmarking of innovative digital technologies and practical approaches for effective planning and sustainable implementation of decommissioning of nuclear facilities.
- To develop guidance to optimize dismantling and associated waste management operations by applying open-source artificial intelligence tools e.g., machine learning, generative AI, etc.
How to join the CRP:
Proposals must be received no later than 30 December 2024. Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by email to the IAEA's Research Contracts Administration Section, using the appropriate template on the CRA website.
For further information related to this CRP, potential applicants should use the contact form under the CRP page.
