The decommissioning of closed graphite moderated nuclear reactors worldwide is still in its early stages with the majority of reactors in “safe store” condition. For these reactors, there are still considerable industrial and technical challenges that remain to be tackled even after more than 30 years of operational shutdown of the first unit. Challenges related to the dimension and complexity of the structure as well as costs for decommissioning urge for novel, more performant, safer and cost-efficient solutions for dismantling operations. INNO4GRAPH aims at developing a set of physical and digital tools and methods to be used both upstream of dismantling operations (for material characterisation and decision-making) and during dismantling operations (for handling and cutting). Tools such as 3D modelling of dismantling scenarios, measurement tools for mechanical and physical properties, mock-ups of the graphite stack and laser-cutting during dismantling operations will be developed. To ensure the cost-efficiency of dismantling scenarios and tools, INNO4GRAPH partners will collect and compare existing cost data for tools, in reference with the different scenarios, to create a benchmarking database for a future decommissioning cost estimate. The launch by EDF of a full-scale graphite power plant demonstrator in Chinon, France, in 2022 will facilitate the uptake and further development of the tools developed during the project. The participation of all European graphite reactor operators in the consortium will not only be the launch of a sector of excellence in the graphite reactor decommissioning field, but will also ensure a large uptake of results by the end-users and will contribute to achieve the highest impact both on scientific/technological, innovation and economic level.

The Modern2020 project aims at providing the means for developing and implementing an effective and efficient repository operational monitoring programme, taking into account the requirements of specific national programmes. The work allows advanced national radioactive waste disposal programmes to design monitoring systems suitable for deployment when repositories start operating in the next decade and supports less developed programmes and other stakeholders by illustrating how the national context can be taken into account in designing dedicated monitoring programmes tailored to their national needs. The work is established to understand what should be monitored within the frame of the wider safety cases and to provide methodology on how monitoring information can be used to support decision making and to plan for responding to monitoring results. Research and development work aims to improve and develop innovative repository monitoring techniques (wireless data transmission, alternative power supply sources, new sensors, geophysical methods) from the proof of feasibility stage to the technology development and demonstration phase. Innovative technical solutions facilitate the integration and flexibility of required monitoring components to ease the final implementation and adaptation of the monitoring system. Full-scale in-situ demonstrations of innovative monitoring techniques will further enhance the knowledge on the operational implementation of specific disposal monitoring and will demonstrate the performance of the state-of-the-art, the innovative techniques and their comparison with conventional ones. Finally, Modern2020 has the ambition to effectively engage local citizen stakeholders in the R&D monitoring activity by involving them at an early stage in a repository development programme in order to integrate their concerns and expectations into monitoring programmes.

Dismantling and decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear facilities enters an important period covering initiatives driven by different countries to strengthen safety measures and maintaining the operation financially viable. The representatives of industry, research, safety organization and technological SMEs join forces in this project to demonstrate an innovative BIM modelling-based approach for detailed planning of logistics, resource allocation and safety measures from a holistic perspective on carefully selected pilot plants. As compared with traditional decommissioning projects, D&D of nuclear facilities is a complex task due to specific logistical and coordination requirements, budgetary constraints and long-term time frames. Considerable uncertainties of these factors, combined with high-level safety requirements related to management of radiological material, calls for an innovative approach. While traditional methods applying mostly manual procedures for planning of individual tasks within the overall process, such methods prove inefficient for enabling integrated planning across the whole project and team. 3D modelling-based digital concepts have potential to both simplify D&D planning, and to lead towards more efficient and better-coordinated actions. The project outcomes shall result in a mature platform based on a BIM approach, integrating a software suite, including emerging tools and digital solutions provided by PLEIADES partners and interconnected together. Within this platform, the main issues of a dismantling site will be treated and optimized. The project will develop a common core, on which all the software modules can connect, retrieve input data, calculate simulation results and share up-to-date data, in particular scenario feasibility, waste estimation, radiation exposure, cost and duration. The platform will be evaluated on several real decommissioning projects of different natures, such as a research reactor and a commercial power plant.

Our Vision With the European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management EURAD(-1) a step change in European collaboration was envisaged towards safe radioactive waste management (RWM), covering all phases including predisposal and disposal, through the development of a robust and sustained science, technology and knowledge management programme that supports timely implementation of RWM activities and serves to foster mutual understanding and trust between Joint Programme participants. EURAD-2 builds upon EURAD-1 and PREDIS to further implement a joint strategic programme of research, development and knowledge management activities at the European level, bringing together and complementing EU Member States programmes in order to ensure cutting edge knowledge creation and preservation in view of delivering safe, responsible and publicly acceptable solutions for the management of radioactive waste throughout all programme phases (from “cradle to grave”) across Europe now and in the future. EURAD-2 will support the implementation of the Waste Directive in EU Member States, taking into account the various stages of advancement of national programmes, the differences in capabilities and inventories. The main goals are to: - Support Member States in developing and implementing their national RD&D programmes for the safe long‐term management of their full range of different types of radioactive waste through participation in the RWM Joint Programme; - Develop and consolidate existing knowledge for the safe start of operation of the first geological disposal facilities for spent fuel, high‐level waste, and other long‐lived radioactive waste, and supporting optimization linked with the stepwise implementation of geological disposal facilities; - Building on the achievements of EURAD-1 and PREDIS, maintain a knowledge management system that enhances transfer of knowledge between organisations, Member States and generations.