Radioactive waste and decommissioning
- Years of experience in handling radioactive waste responsibly
- Unique lab infrastructure
- Proven track record
Every nuclear installation will reach its end of life at some point. NRG has accumulated years of experience in handling radioactive waste responsibly, efficiently and safely. An expertise we also apply to the decommissioning of nuclear installations.
Waste characterisation
Radioactive waste is a multi-faceted subject. It is important to determine (characterise) the composition of the waste. This enables us to know precisely how to handle the material. Characterisation of radioactive waste is therefore very important.
To inspect the radioactive material, we perform destructive and non-destructive testing methods. Using destructive methods, the material we test will break down. Using non-destructive testing, the material remains intact. Some materials are ‘hot’, or highly radioactive. We have developed special and unique facilities to handle such materials.
We can perform the following types of characterisations:
- Reactor components, such as control rods, reactor vessels and biological shields
- Historical radioactive waste (‘legacy waste’)
- Operational waste streams from the nuclear industry, NORM industry and hospitals
- Bulk materials for clearance and free release
For more information about the facilities we use for destructive analyses see Laboratory Services.
More information
Waste sorting and packaging
The storage costs for radioactive waste are largely dependent on the waste category. By sorting waste, the storage costs can be dramatically reduced. NRG has developed unique systems for sorting, characterising and packaging waste thanks to our own RWMP program. One of these systems is HIRARCHI®. This unique, non-destructive system was developed in-house to categorize waste into low, intermediate and high radioactivity levels in an efficient manner.
Consultancy
The decommissioning of nuclear installations, complete with their respective nuclear waste streams is a costly process. The transportation of the nuclear waste also has a price tag. During the design of a nuclear installation, these facets have to be planned, including costs for decommissioning and waste management.
Are you looking for a partner who can provide independent advice? We advise customers from industry and government, both at home and abroad. We are familiar with national and international standards and legislations. This enables us to correctly asses costs and impact.
Our knowledge is up to date and practical, because of:
- Our own R&D
- Activities in our own nuclear facilities
- Contribution to international (research) projects
Areas of expertise
The decommissioning of nuclear installations, complete with their respective nuclear waste streams is a costly process. The transportation of the nuclear waste also has a price tag. During the design of a nuclear installation, these facets have to be planned, including costs for decommissioning and waste management.
Are you looking for a partner who can provide independent advice? We advise customers from industry and government, both at home and abroad. We are familiar with national and international standards and legislations. This enables us to correctly asses costs and impact.
Our knowledge is up to date and practical, because of:
- Decommissioning plans, cost estimations and audits for decommissioning projects
- Radioactive waste management; incorporating the most recent rules and legislation whilst anticipating possible future changes
- Development of sustainable, safe and efficient waste streams
- Optimal waste packaging methods and transport procedures
- Inspection of the stability of waste packages and matrices, for middle and long-term storage, using computational models and measurements
- Safety assessments of radioactive waste storage and final disposal facilities, (safety cases)
Using interviews and workshops, we focus on creating an interactive environment for our customers. This enables you to formulate a plan of action together with our experts.
Customers we've worked with
Interested?
More about radioactive waste management and decommissioning?
Contact
Marieke Schopman
Cluster Manager
T. +31 (0)6 1025352
M. m.vangemert@nrg.eu