Development of a Comprehensive Decommissioning Plan for Nuclear Facilities in Argentina

Abstract

Argentina currently operates three nuclear power plants (NPPs) and hosts five research reactors, with a sixth one under construction, along with several nuclear facilities. The estimated decommissioning dates for the first NPPs are projected around 2046. The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) is mandated to determine the decommissioning procedures for nuclear facilities in Argentina and has the responsibility of dismantling and decommissioning Argentine NPPs. Unfortunately, despite a prior Nuclear Facilities Decommissioning Sub-Program, this initiative was discontinued, leading to retirement or reassignment of many involved personnel. Now, the National Radioactive Waste Management Program (PNGRR) within CNEA is developing a Comprehensive Decommissioning Plan for Argentina’s nuclear facilities. This plan is crucial to address current and future generations’ interests and legal responsibilities of CNEA. The plan starts with decontamination and dismantling tasks for selected nuclear facilities as case studies. The Comprehensive Decommissioning Plan progresses through three stages with incremental goals: surveying the current situation, defining strategies, and implementing them. Each phase involves coordinating research and development efforts, planning strategies based on knowledge management, and transferring information between past and present professional and technical personnel. Additionally, specific techniques and technologies will be applied in precise case studies, competencies will be mapped to design tailored training and human resources development programs, and international cooperation agreements will be fostered to exchange knowledge on the subject.