The second part of September 2017 Nuclear Shutdown News

2. Global Nuke Group Calls For Planning To Deal With Increasing Shutdowns Worldwide



At its 61st annual Global Conference on September 19, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) focused on preparing for the increasing shutdown of nuclear facilities.

The IAEA reported "More than 150 nuclear power reactors have been shut down or are undergoing decommissioning." Decommissioning is the process of dismantling shut down reactors and dealing with their radioactive waste.

The IAEA also reported "More than half the 448 nuclear reactors" still operating worldwide "are over 30 years old." Nuclear reactors were designed to operate for 40 years.

In addition, the agency stated, more than 100 research reactors and critical assemblies, and similar numbers of fuel cycle facilities are permanently shutting down or already undergoing decommissioning."

The IAEA stressed "Availability of qualified and trained personnel is critical to the success of decommissioning programs."

Greassima Thomas, an IAEA official, declared, ""Decommissioning is a normal part of the life cycle of nuclear facilities. Engendering public confidence in the industry requires this step to be undertaken as soon as possible after the shut down of the plant.

"There is also an ethical dimension: the generation that benefited (sic) from the power generation of these facilities should take responsibility for the final stage of their life cycle rather than pass this on to a future generation."



Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, iaea.org