Page 367 - Beyond Decommissioning

8
Conclusions and recommendations

In summary, experience proves that early plans and decisions to establish new produc-
tive uses for decommissioned nuclear sites are both cost effective and agreeable to a
wide range of stakeholders. Such strategies are alternative to release of the site with no
post-decommissioning plans defined. However, in case of very high local land values,
the additional costs of total dismantling, site clearance, and unrestricted release of the
site may be acceptable and the land sold profitably even some time after the comple-
tion of decommissioning.
For historic buildings, a pragmatic approach to the reuse should be taken, whilst
conserving the heritage value of the building. The inclusion of heritage assets in
the redevelopment projects provides a focus for sustainable change. The impact of
successful schemes is felt beyond the boundaries of the project and can boost the econ-
omy of the whole community and beyond.
Hierarchically, the following expresses the redevelopment schemes in a decreasing
order of suitability:

l The redeveloped site should ideally support a workforce of similar skills to those existing
during past operations, or at least a similar number of jobs.
l In many cases, the value of used structures, systems, and components is optimized if they can
be locally adapted to alternative functions.
l Alternative uses with the highest ranking are usually those nearest to the original objective of
the plant; for example, it would be appropriate to first assess the feasibility of reusing the
existing NPP site, facilities, infrastructure, and electrical transmission lines for a new power
plant (e.g., the use of uncontaminated parts such as turbines for the construction of a new
fossil-fired plant onsite).
l Continuing nuclear operations of various types may be a logical follow-on reuse of a site
after decommissioning (nuclear R&D centers, spent fuel, and radioactive waste stores). This
strategy has several advantages, for example, prompt availability of qualified staff onsite,
existing public acceptance, and availability of nuclear and conventional services.
If this is not appropriate for local and regional circumstances, then utilization of the site and
l
facilities for nonnuclear heavy or light industrial purposes may be the next most effective
strategy (e.g., warehouses, production industry, mechanical workshops, recycling centers,
and production of chemicals).
The next-in-ranking alternative could be the adaptive reuse of buildings and sites for housing
l
or recreational purposes (e.g., climbing walls, bungee jumping, observation towers, sport
fields, restaurants, and casinos) or a variety of other uses (R&D facilities, municipal waste
treatment, biological and medical installations, university buildings, high technology parks,
and diverse businesses).
l Establishment of nuclear museums or exhibition centers remains the default option should
the above-mentioned alternatives fail: this option has the great merit of highlighting the his-
toric and cultural heritage of the site, a school of thought that is becoming of growing appeal
to the general public in many countries. Besides, many contemporary artworks require large
bare undecorated spaces, which can be offered by many industrial buildings.
Beyond Decommissioning. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102790-5.00008-7
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