Nuclear decommissioning is the process of dismantling a nuclear facility permanently. It involves removing the used nuclear fuel from the reactor, and cleaning, dismantling, and disposing of all the radioactive components.
The decommissioning process is considered complete when all radioactive waste and components have been completely dismantled or decayed to a level such that the site can be safely reused for other purposes—a process that can take decades.
A significant number of reactors are expected to be shut down between 2013 and 2018, as governments globally shy away from nuclear power in the face of widespread public safety concerns exacerbated by accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
2017 and 2015 will be big years for shutdowns, as nuclear power is phased out, and many countries around the world put a halt to nuclear development plans.
Why Are We Doing Away with Nuclear Power Stations?
Safety-related Issues and Increased Public Opposition
Following the Fukushima disaster in 2011, stringent safety regulations and emergency measures have been put in place by governments worldwide to govern nuclear power plants. However, increased public opposition has put pressure on countries to revisit their nuclear power development plans, which has ultimately resulted in a drastic increase in shutdowns.
Competition from Renewable Energy Sources
Nuclear power is facing tough competition in the form of renewable energy such as wind and solar.
Growing subsidies and incentives are helping reduce the cost per peak kilowatt for these technologies, and many governments are leaning on renewables to make up for lost nuclear capacity thanks to shutdowns. France, which currently relies on nuclear for more than 76 percent of energy generation, is now turning towards renewables to pick up the slack by 2030. And despite being proficient in nuclear technology, Brazil is also looking toward harnessing its wind capacity to meet energy requirements.
Difficulties Associated with Nuclear Waste Disposal
Around 27 tons of used fuel is taken each year from a 1,000 MW nuclear reactor. This highly radioactive waste takes an extremely long time to decay, and improper disposal can be fatal for living organisms.
The high costs and risks associated with the development of safe and secure storage facilities to handle highly radioactive nuclear waste have compelled countries to scale down their nuclear power operations.
Nuclear Decommissioning Around the Globe
Europe
Europe will see highest number of facility shutdowns from 2014-2018. In 2013, only one shutdown took place on the continent-Santa Maria de Gerona nuclear power plant in Spain, which had a total installed capacity of 446 MW, was shut down at an estimated cost of US$1.28 billion. The number of nuclear decommissionings in Europe is expected to balloon to nine in 2015 alone, and 42 by the end of 2018.
And plans to prune nuclear power extend far beyond 2018. Germany has plans to phase out all its operating nuclear power plants by 2022, and Switzerland and Belgium are planning to phase out theirs by 2035 and 2025 respectively.
Americas
From 2014-2018 alone, 13 nuclear reactors are expected to go offline in the Americas. The largest number of shutdowns are expected in Canada, with the US and Argentina bringing up the rear.
