Cyclife, through its subsidiary in Sweden, has successfully managed the shipment of four steam generators at once from its German customer, PreussenElektra. This demonstrates Cyclife's ability to handle such large components from the dismantling of nuclear facilities: a set weighing 1,200 tonnes, each piece measuring 20 metres in length. By completing this first shipment, Cyclife and PreussenElektra are pursuing a joint process started in 2021 for a responsible dismantling, treatment and recycling of large components from the nuclear industry.
A long-standing collaboration
The dismantling of steam generators are among the most important large-scale projects in the decommissioning process. In 2021, PreussenElektra (PEL) awarded Cyclife the contract for the evacuation and treatment of steam generators from several nuclear power plants in Germany, in safe and timely execution.
Cyclife is responsible for the entire process, from collection at PreussenElektra plants to the upcoming treatment and the future return delivery of the processed waste.
The project has required close cooperation with both German and Swedish authorities to ensure that all permits and safety requirements are met. Cyclife Sweden has successfully completed the transport of four steam generators from the Unterweser nuclear power plant in Germany to Cyclife’s new facility in Sweden.
Delphine Servot, Managing director of Cyclife Sweden, explains:
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After several months of preparation and coordination, the four steam generators have now arrived at our facility, where they will be processed with the aim of recycling a substantial proportion of the material in our new facility which is doubling our treatment capacity here in Sweden. We worked closely with PreussenElektra throughout the project, from planning to execution, contributing expertise and resources to enable the safe and efficient transport and handling of the components.”
Michael Bongartz, Member of the Board of PreussenElektra, says:
“Following the successful shipment of the steam generators from our pilot plant in Unterweser to Sweden, we now look forward to working with Cyclife to transfer the lessons learned and experience to the upcoming steam generator projects. Upon reaching this key milestone, I would also like to express my gratitude to the on-site teams for their professionalism and collaborative spirit.”
The dismantling of the steam generators is one of the key major projects for PEL’s decommissioned pressurised water reactors. Steam generators are heat exchangers in pressurised water reactors. These large components produce the steam that turns the turbines into the powerhouse to generate the electrical energy in the generator. Ensuring the safe and timely implementation of this project will be crucial for rapid dismantling progress.
Giving a sustainable future to nuclear industry
Through this assignment, Cyclife strengthens its position as a leading player in sustainable management of nuclear waste and demonstrates its commitment to the circular economy and long-term value creation for customers and society.
Estelle Desroches, Cyclife CEO, comments:
“Nowadays, it is necessary to address the ambitious objectives of operators who want a safe process, from decommissioning to recycling, for a sustainable nuclear industry that respects the environment. We are proud of bringing forward the waste-led decommissioning approach to serve PreussenElektra from concept to final delivery.”
Dr. Guido Knott, CEO of PreussenElektra, says:
"Awarding this contract for our nuclear power plants was a strategic decision to accelerate decommissioning. This will enable us to leverage synergies across all sites and consistently apply the knowledge we have gained. With Cyclife's proven expertise in managing complex decommissioning projects, this partnership sets a benchmark for safe and efficient implementation."
About 20 years ago, Cyclife developed a process and facilities in Sweden for dismantling and disposing of steam generators that enables to provide a turn-key solution for nuclear operators on retired metallic large components and scrap metal. This includes the management of their transport from / to customer or final depository, the storage on Cyclife’s site before and after treatment, a volume reduction up to 95%, the characterisation of secondary waste, associated analysis and conditioning of final packages, and eventually the management of metallic reusable ingots (characterisation, free-release and selling to conventional industries).
To date, Cyclife Sweden has successfully processed more than 30 large components (steam generators, heat exchangers...) from Swedish, German, French and British nuclear power plants.