Waste Minimization During the Life Cycle of Nuclear Power Plants (IAEA TECDOC)

Nuclear power plants minimize waste during operation while optimizing management practices for cost-effective, safe waste handling.

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) are designed to ensure minimal waste arising during operation, and waste management processes further ensure that radioactive waste is managed safely and cost effectively. Although safety requirements for waste management need to be fulfilled unconditionally, the implementation of cost-efficient processes depends on the individual radioactive waste management (RWM) and spent fuel (SF) management policies adopted in a particular Member State. This publication provides end-users with useful technical information regarding waste minimization at NPP operations and examines typical waste inventories and minimization methodologies. It additionally explores solutions for optimizing the minimization of waste and evaluating RWM practices.