Key Issues
Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants
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August 2007
Key Facts
August 2007
Key Facts
- After a nuclear power plant is closed and removed from service, it must be decommissioned. This entails the removal and disposal of radioactive components and materials, such as the reactor and associated piping, and the cleanup of radioactive or hazardous contamination that may remain in the buildings and on the site.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has established regulations and associated guidance on nuclear power plant decommissioning. Each plant must file a post-shutdown activities report with the NRC prior to the expiration of its operating license or within two years after the plant has permanently shut down.
- Nuclear power plants are required by the NRC to put aside funds for their decommissioning during operations. Companies work with federal and state regulators to ensure enough money is set aside. These funds are not under the direct control of the companies and cannot be used for purposes other than decommissioning.
- Since 1960, more than 70 test, demonstration and power reactors have been retired throughout the United States. These include more than 40 research reactors ranging in size from less than a watt to 2 megawatts, four demonstration nuclear power reactors, and a number of large commercial nuclear power plants.
