EDF Chinon NPP, France
Background
Chinon A2 NPP is one of six UNGG (Natural Uranium Gas Graphite) reactors currently being decommissioned by EDF in France, it is the lead site for EDF’s immediate dismantling strategy for its UNGG fleet.
Graphitech* has been in charge with the full reactor decommissioning design
Challenge
EDF required a robust, optimised decommissioning methodology for Chinon A2 to begin dismantling operations in 2030.
Our proposal
Graphitech has developed a detailed decommissioning methodology for this first of a kind reactor including:
- Development of remotely operated tools to break up complex, large-scale concrete and metal structures (including opening-up of the bioshield) and tools to extract activated graphite bricks and other structures Ongoing
- Design and manufacture of mock-ups for tooling & methodology development, trials, training etc. => Ongoing
- Design, manufacture and testing of a tool deployment system and dismantling tooling to be used to remotely decommission the Chinon A2 reactor => Ongoing
- Beginning of Graphitech activities in Chinon EDF demonstration facility => 2022
Customer benefits
- Optimisation of the detailed decommissioning methodology to reduce risks with potential time & cost reduction => complete
- Identification of dismantling tools and techniques to be developed within the EDF demonstrator facility at Chinon => complete