The main aim of this publication is to disseminate experience in and guidance on cost estimates for research reactor decommissioning projects. It presents the principles and background for a costing methodology based on the International Structure for Decommissioning Costing (ISDC) of Nuclear Installations. The methodology presented implements actual experience in decommissioning costing and is in line with IAEA efforts promoting harmonization in this field. The IAEA has contributed to the development of software called CERREX (Cost Estimate for Research Reactors in Excel), a simpler version suitable for preliminary costing stages, which is included on the attached CD-ROM, together with a user manual. Several practical examples of software implementation and clarification of some details of available methodologies and models are also provided.

Cost estimation for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities can vary considerably in format, content and practice both within and across countries. These differences may have legitimate reasons but make the process of reviewing estimates complicated and the estimates themselves difficult to defend. Hence, the joint initiative of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Commission (EC) was undertaken to propose a standard itemisation of decommissioning costs either directly for the production of cost estimates or for mapping estimates onto a standard, common structure for purposes of comparison. This report updates the earlier itemisation published in 1999 and takes into account experience accumulated thus far. The revised cost itemisation structure has sought to ensure that all costs within the planned scope of a decommissioning project may be reflected. The report also provides general guidance on developing a decommissioning cost estimate, including detailed advice on using the structure.

Estimating decommissioning costs and collecting the necessary funds for the eventual decommissioning of nuclear facilities is a prerequisite for safe, timely and cost effective decommissioning. The report identifies the types of costs that should be considered when developing a cost estimate and provides information on the collection and management of the funds. It also provides a discussion of the social impacts of decommissioning and how decommissioning can affect the surrounding communities.

While refurbishments for the long-term operation of nuclear power plants and for the lifetime extension of such plants have been widely pursued in recent years, the number of plants to be decommissioned is nonetheless expected to increase in future, particularly in the United States and Europe. It is thus important to understand the costs of decommissioning so as to develop coherent and cost-effective strategies, realistic cost estimates based on decommissioning plans from the outset of operations and mechanisms to ensure that future decommissioning expenses can be adequately covered. This study presents the results of an NEA review of the costs of decommissioning nuclear power plants and of overall funding practices adopted across NEA member countries. The study is based on the results of this NEA questionnaire, on actual decommissioning costs or estimates, and on plans for the establishment and management of decommissioning funds. Case studies are included to provide insight into decommissioning practices in a number of countries.

This publication reports on the DACCORD project, which supports Member States in preparing preliminary cost estimates for the decommissioning of research reactors. The report is of particular benefit to programmes with limited decommissioning experience. Costing projects for the decommissioning of research reactors can be broad in scope with many possible inputs and influences that require due consideration in developing the estimate. The publication provides information on unit factors for research reactor decommissioning and a basis for estimating uncertainties and contingencies and for assessing the impact of decommissioning planning and characterization activities. It also addresses the use of the CERREX-D2 (Cost Estimate for Research Reactors in Excel) software code, developed by the IAEA to enable non-specialist users to develop preliminary cost estimates for decommissioning.

Reliable methods for estimating the cost of a radioactive waste disposal programme are crucial to ensure that the necessary funding for completing the disposal programme is available. Estimating the cost for disposal is, however, a challenging and complex task. Disposal programmes themselves are complex and long term undertakings, and conditions can be expected to change significantly over the time span during which a disposal programme is developed and implemented. This publication provides Member States with information on developing cost estimates for a disposal programme and establishing funding mechanisms. It will help readers in becoming informed clients by familiarizing themselves with the approaches and complexities in cost estimates and funding mechanisms for disposal. The publication is applicable to all waste categories and both near surface and geological disposal. It contains relevant examples and case studies from national programmes. The cost figures are intended to give an indication of the possible cost of certain parts or aspects of the disposal programme rather than to compare different disposal programmes’ costs.