▣ Title : Management of Radioactive Waste from Nuclear Power Plants During Operation and Decommissioning

▣ Speaker : Dr. Yeong-Hwan Hwang(Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power)

▣ Date & Time : 2026. 5. 14(Thu) 16:30~17:30

▣ Venue : Research Bldg I, #310

▣ Language : English

▣ Abstract :

Various types of radioactive waste are generated during the operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants (NPPs), including dry active waste (DAW), boron concentrates, sludge, spent resin, and spent filters. DAW is typically compacted and temporarily stored in the radioactive waste storage building of the NPP. After characterization and safety analysis, it is transferred to a disposal facility. Because compaction technology is simple and supported by extensive operational experience, it is widely applied in many NPPs. Spent resin is produced during the treatment of primary coolant. In this process, a large volume of radioactive nuclides is captured, making spent resin one of the most highly contaminated wastes in NPPs. For storage, it is usually packaged in a high integrity container.

The decommissioning of NPPs significantly influences public perception of radioactive waste. For operational waste, safe storage is essential for the continued safe operation of NPPs. Although a "wait-and-see" strategy is often applied, it does not meet the acceptance criteria of disposal facilities. Complete removal of radioactive waste is required for decommissioning. As NPPs enter the decommissioning era, treatment technologies for temporarily stored radioactive waste are receiving increasing attention.

This presentation will address current radioactive waste management during operation, decommissioning waste management strategies, and efforts for the implementation of historic waste treatment.