Swiss Regulator Approves Project Documents For Mühleberg Decommissioning

12 Sep (NucNet): A review of BKW Energie AG’s project documents for the decommissioning of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant has shown that the work can be carried out safely, Switzerland’s Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) said on 12 September 2017. ENSI said it had put forward 35 additional provisions which the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications should consider when it makes a final decision – scheduled for summer 2018 – on whether decommissioning can go ahead. ENSI’s statement did not give any details on the additional provisions, but said the project documents show decommissioning will not have any impact on safety and security, and radioactive waste will be dealt with appropriately. The single-unit Mühleberg plant, which began commercial operation in 1972, is due to be shut down permanently in December 2019. BKW said the shutdown, brought forward from 2022, was because of “uncertainty surrounding political and regulatory trends”. Switzerland has a fleet of five commercial nuclear power reactors. ENSI also said personnel, population and surrounding areas will be protected against ionising radiation. An “appropriate organisation” will be established to handle the decommissioning project.