Lastly, correct performance of the decommissioning operations is also dependent on the availability of the decommissioning support facilities (waste storage, processing and conditioning facilities, effluent treatment facilities) and of appropriate management routes for all the types of waste likely to be produced. When the final waste disposal outlets are likely not to be available at the time the decommissioning waste is produced, the licensees must prudently set up the facilities necessary for the safe interim storage of this waste pending opening of the corresponding disposal route. The adequacy of the available interim storage capacities for the waste resulting from BNI operation and decommissioning, and the progress of the studies concerning the various definitive radioactive waste management options, are regularly examined in this respect under the French National Radioactive Material and Waste Management Plan (PNGMDR – see chapter 15). The question of management of the waste resulting from the decommissioning operations is addressed with particular attention during the assessment of the decommissioning and waste management strategies established by the CEA, EDF and Orano (see point 4 and “Les cahiers de l’ASN” #04). 1.2 The ASN decommissioning doctrine Many factors can influence the choice of one decommissioning strategy rather than another: national regulations, social and economic factors, financing of the operations, availability of waste disposal routes, decommissioning techniques and qualified personnel, knowledge of the operating history, exposure of the personnel and the public to ionising radiation resulting from the decommissioning operations, etc. 1.2.1 Immediate dismantling The principle of decommissioning “in the shortest time frame possible under economically acceptable conditions” figures in the regulations applicable to BNIs (Order of 7 February 2012 setting the general rules relative to BNIs). This principle, which ASN has affirmed since 2009 as regards BNI decommissioning and delicensing, has been enshrined in legislation by Act 2015-992 of 17 August 2015 relative to Energy Transition for Green Growth. This approach aims to avoid placing the technical and financial burden of decommissioning on future generations. It also provides the benefit of retaining the knowledge and skills of the personnel present during operation of the installation, which are vital during the first decommissioning operations. The regulatory framework in effect in France aims to ensure that: ∙The licensee prepares the decommissioning of its installation as of the design stage and updates this preparation throughout the life of the installation. ∙The licensee anticipates decommissioning and sends ASN the decommissioning application file before it stops operating the installation. ∙The licensee has the financial resources to finance decommissioning, covering its anticipated expenses by dedicated assets. Phases in the life cycle of a Basic Nuclear Installation At least two years before the planned shutdown date, the licensee must inform the Minister responsible for nuclear safety and ASN of its intention to definitively shut down its facility. This notification is made public. The licensee must submit the decommissioning file to the Minister no later than 2 years after shutdown notification. This file sets out the decommissioning operations projected by the licensee and the measures it takes to limit the impacts on persons and the environment. 2 years maximum Transmission of decommissioning file Shutdown notification DECREE DECREE As of the date of final shutdown, the licensee is no longer authorised to operate its facility. The license starts to prepare for the decommissioning of its facility. The decommissioning preparation operations often consist in removing the radioactive and chemical substances present in the facility (spent fuel), reorganising the premises (to create storage areas) or adapting the utility networks (ventilation, electrical power distribution). Final shutdown DECREE END OF OPERATION DECOMMISSIONING PREPARATORY PHASE 354 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2024 Decommissioning of Basic Nuclear Installations
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