Nuclear Decommissioning: from Case-Studies to a Proposed Typology of Risk

Abstract : This paper presents a typology of risks which may be faced by operators in the transition to nuclear decommissioning. It is based on an analysis of the literature on nuclear decommissioning, both past and present, and a recent study of a nuclear power station. It first part outlines decommissioning definitions and current decommissioning strategies in broad terms. The second part focuses on decommissioning contexts in three different installations. Although the technological and environmental issues are the same, the impact of context from the point of view of staff and organisational risk is examined. Finally, the third section presents a typology of risks related to nuclear decommissioning operations.