Cutting Methodologies Applied to Nuclear Decommissioning

The workshop on cutting methodologies, held at the JRC site in Ispra in March 2026, provided a forum for operators and companies to share experience on cutting solutions applied under different site conditions, regulatory frameworks and operational constraints.

Why it matters

Bringing together organisations with different roles and experience in nuclear decommissioning provides an opportunity to exchange practical knowledge, compare approaches and identify common challenges and lessons learnt. The workshop brought together contributions from ENSA, Danish Decommissioning, Altra, Sogin, Belgoprocess, SERAW, IDOM Nuclear Services, KTE, Norsk nukleær dekommisjonering, Vattenfall, GDES, Cyclife, Graphitech Nuclear, Westinghouse Electric Company and the IAEA, bringing a broad range of operational experience, technical approaches and lessons learnt from real decommissioning projects. Capturing and sharing these perspectives helps turn experience from individual projects and organisations into knowledge that can benefit the wider decommissioning community.

From shared experience to a knowledge product

The knowledge product Cutting methodologies applied to nuclear decommissioning consolidates the technical content shared during the workshop. The first part captures the presentations delivered by operators and companies on specific cutting solutions, while the second part synthesises the outcomes of the working groups on technical, safety and contractual aspects of cutting in nuclear decommissioning.

Several cross-cutting conclusions emerge from these contributions: the need to integrate safety early in decision-making, the value of technically robust and adaptable solutions, the importance of minimising secondary waste, and the role of early testing and close coordination between design and safety teams. The publication also highlights contractual and organisational aspects as critical enablers for successful implementation.

The knowledge product is intended to support operators, engineering companies, technical support organisations and regulators involved in decommissioning activities, facilitating access to practical knowledge and experience shared across the sector.

📘 Access the full knowledge product