Supporting the Belgian nuclear operator in managing safely radioactive waste

Our nuclear engineers are actively contributing to this groundbreaking project that marks a significant milestone in radioactive waste management in Belgium.
The project involves non-fissile components from the spent fuel pools that contain part of the intermediate-level radioactive waste from the nuclear reactor. The complex process started in 2021 and should be completed by 2027. It includes the cutting of components and the distribution of waste into short-lived low- and intermediate-level waste (CAT-A) and long-lived low- and intermediate-level waste (CAT-B) classes.

The CAT-B waste will be evacuated using high-integrity containers (HIC), which will be immobilised and delivered to Belgoprocess, which is the company responsible for the safe processing of radioactive waste produced in Belgium. Meanwhile, the CAT-A waste will be evacuated using 400-litre drums, which will be delivered unconditioned to the WAB (Water and Waste treatment building) at Doel nuclear power plant and TDS T2 (Solid Waste treatment building) at the Tihange nuclear power plant. Additionally, this project encompasses the radiological characterisation of the non-fissile components of the EOP waste.

Tractebel's Role

Our engineers have played a multifaceted role in this project. They are responsible for performing all radiological characterisation studies to accurately categorise the spent fuel pools' waste. In parallel, they oversee the technical follow-up, which includes documentation review and fabrication follow-up of the contractor responsible for delivering the high-integrity containers and executing the on-site works.

Pictures: High Integrity Containers (copyright: ENGIE Electrabel)

It is the first time that Tractebel is characterising components of the spent fuel pools that have to be classified as CAT-B waste material. Our engineers are leveraging Tractebel's extensive experience with fuel and CAT-A containers to design the CAT-B waste containers. Both tasks must be integrated into the qualification files (method, package, and radiological) required by ONDRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian radioactive waste management organisation, to which Electrabel will transfer the property of the filled containers.

"The project represents a significant achievement for Tractebel and Electrabel. The innovative approach to radiologically characterising and managing the spent fuel pool's radioactive waste sets a new standard in nuclear decommissioning. The expertise of our engineers, who have worked in integrated teams with Electrabel, has been crucial in ensuring the project's success. I would like to thank Electrabel for the smooth and constructive cooperation on this project and I look forward to continuing working together to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly nuclear power plants' decommissioning." says Deborah Van Den Brande, Group Manager DECOM Doel Projects.

Tractebel's successful completion of this groundbreaking project highlights its expertise and innovation in radioactive waste management and decommissioning. The company's approach ensures that the decommissioning process is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

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