IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency

The International Decommissioning NetworkStatus and Issues

November 2009

Paul Dinner, M. Laraia, V. Ljubenov, M Kurylchuk, A. Junger

IAEA Vienna, Austria

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IAEA …atoms for peace

Article VIII (C) of IAEA statute reads:

“ The IAEA shall take positive steps to encourage the exchange among its members of information relating to the nature and peaceful uses of atomic energy and shall serve as an intermediary among its members for this purpose”IAEA’s role :

promoting and facilitating international co-operation amongst its Member States

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A Vision for the IDN

“ Prompt, open, and efficient worldwide

sharing of practical and effective

decommissioning experience leading to

safe, economic and timely dismantlement

of disused nuclear facilities”

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The Need – aging & disused facilities

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The Need…Transfer of Knowledge

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IAEA RW Management Programme

NETWORKING IS THE KEY….

Our method of work

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IDN objectives

• Complement existing Agency activities with more practical hands on and user-oriented experience

• Facilitate sharing of experience • Raise awareness of need and encourage

decision-makers to build a funding framework• Attract additional resources to the field and

accelerate the pace of decommissioning activities worldwide

• Act as a “Network of Networks” to increase visibility and leverage learning from national and regional projects & existing networks

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Participants Priorities Identified/updated in Annual Network TM

E.g,,Demonstrations/training “Top 5” 1. Demonstrations on use of characterization

techniques and equipment 2. Demonstrations on use of cutting and

decontamination techniques and tools 3. Management and clearance of decommissioning

wastes4. Sponsor onsite, interactive training on “Basic

Practices in Decommissioning” 5. Cost-estimation for small facilities using

simplified methodology

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Programme Delivery

• Base-budget funding for documents, videos,

and special application activities (NE, NSS)

• Partnering with leading organizations for hosting of activities (National, International, and Private Sector Organizations)

• Travel funding and logistical arrangements for National, Regional, and Inter-regional activities (Dept of Technical Co-operation)

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RER – 3009: A “Network” Vehicle for IDN Begun in 2009

The RER 3005 Project on decommissioning planning has been extended into the 2009-2011 period with increased budget to enable participation and events to be organized beyond the traditional “European” Project borders.

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Keeping in Touch..

~600 individuals have requested our regular “IDN Update” which serves as a newsletter for the IDN and helps us inform potential participants of upcoming activities in parallel with TC.

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Workshops SCK-CEN Mol and ENRESA: demonstrated a new and engaging format

• Presentation by an “engaged” professional

• Video of active work

• Field visit to observe operations

• Personal interaction with simulators, tools in inactive environment

• Recap and “round table” with experts and participants for Q/A to discuss the experience

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The Workshop sights and sounds

“Manolo” - showing the IDN participants a prime example of a diamond wire saw cut through the bioshield at PIMIC during the ENRESA workshop

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IDN Event Experience 2007-2009

• Total of ~15 events/activites have been offered “cost free” to the IAEA by Organizations in IDN.

• Two major workshops or courses and 2-3 smaller specialist workshops offered each year

• Workshop topics and “hands on” format well received – strong positive feedback BUT!!!

• Only about 2/3 of the places offered in 2009 could be filled with qualified candidates.

• TC Nomination and Implementation process slow, resulting in several participants unable to obtain visas, arrange timely travel

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Issues for Improvement

• Nomination process is slow and erratic via “NLOs”• Need to ensure events are publicized widely to get

approp. candidates – TC process alone is insufficient• All nominees should be appropriately qualified and

engaged directly in D&D work ( Not just “The Boss)• The Project aims to provide consistent and

continuous development of nominees. Sequential nominations are justified. ( “taking turns” with events blocks the systematic development of participants)

• Need to invite more “cost free” participants, i.e. experienced practitioners as mentors/coaches

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Frontiers….

• Expand use of Video-based training to re-enforce event-based training, e.g. in preparing nominees.

• Participant-to-Participant Networking through social networks to promote direct problem solving

• Clarify role and increase use of “Partners” – include equipment and service providers

• Extend depth and duration of “hands on” training • Greater use of professional training organizations• Follow up with extended “internships” for candidates

reaching a level of competency benefitting the host • Inter-link activities of various Networks. Develop

common platforms for information sharing.

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IDN – information and contact

• IAEA Decommissioning web page http://goto.iaea.org/decommissioning

• IDN contact point - idn@iaea.org

• IDN Scientific Secretary - p.dinner@iaea.org

• IDN Updates - a.junger@iaea.org

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The sky’s the limit….