The JRC is decommissioning nuclear research facilities at four sites - Karlsruhe, Geel, Petten, and Ispra - under the Nuclear Decommissioning & Waste Management Programme. The programme, launched in 1999, will span four decades.
The European Parliament and the Council have promoted a series of initiatives to share the knowledge gained from ongoing nuclear decommissioning programmes (NDAP) across Europe. The goal is to leverage this expertise to support future decommissioning projects. To achieve this, the European Parliament and the Council have entrusted the JRC with leading the Nuclear Decommissioning Knowledge Management (NDKM) Initiative.
The JRC manages the knowledge gained in the EU-funded or co-funded decommissioning programmes under this initiative. Since 2021, the NDKM Team is supporting the development of knowledge products. A knowledge product is a tangible output of prepared knowledge that enables action of selected users. This web section presents the latest version of the currently available knowledge products.

Knowledge products in numbers
Latest knowledge products

This product provides guidance for extracting, transporting, and storing VVER irradiated fuel in multipurpose dry cask storage.

In the context of NDA technologies used for radiological characterization, this document will analysis the advantages and disadvantages to use new emerging technologies in nuclear decommissioning using automatic and semi-automatic nuclear instrumentation.
2024
- Turbine building, repurposing to auxiliary decommissioning building
This product conveys Spain's ENRESA's experience in repurposing the Turbine Building of the José Cabrera nuclear power plant into an Auxiliary Decommissioning Building (ADB). It describes the methodology, systems, and lessons learned collected in this project.
ENRESA, Spain | July 2024
- Remotely operated fragmentation of activated components at V1 NPP
This document describes the experience of remotely controlled fragmentation of large, activated components of the V1 NPP primary circuits. It also describe lessons learned from the use of technical means and civil structures that were also used during the V1 NPP operation.
JAVYS, Slovakia | July 2024
- Application of remotely operated equipment in nuclear decommissioning
Use of remotely operated equipment for equipment dismantling and waste management in areas with high dose loads on personnel to reduce dose loads.
INPP, Lithuania | December 2024
- Management of damaged and experimental fuel at INPP
This document describes the Project B1 for integrated fuel management, including intact, damaged, and experimental spent fuel assemblies. The process ensures the safe and efficient management of spent nuclear fuel, including its diverse states and meets high standards of safety and environmental responsibility.
INPP, Lithuania | July 2024
- Treatment and disposal of wet operational radioactive waste at Bohunice V1 NPP
Processing wet radioactive waste is a global challenge due to its non-homogeneous mixture of solids, liquids, dissolved salts, and crystals. The changing characteristics of stored waste create uncertainties in its characterization and quantification, complicating transportation and processing. It addresses the handling sludge and sorbents from the V1 NPP operation.
JAVYS, Slovakia | July 2024
- Discharge of radioactive effluents into the environment: use case for the JRC of Ispra
This report from JRC-Ispra details the methodology for defining discharge formulas for liquid and airborne effluents, ensuring compliance with Italian radiation protection laws. The goal is to establish a systematic approach for calculating dischargeable activity limits at sites with multiple nuclear installations.
JRC, Italy | March 2024
- Automated Information System for Control of Technological Processes and Traceability of RAW
The Automated Information System for waste traceability in RAW management is a web-based system developed with PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL. It tracks and documents RAW at each management stage, ensuring full traceability of each waste item from generation to disposal.
SERAW, Bulgaria | February 2024
2023
- Guidance for developing and applying in-house methodology for radiological characterisation of conditionally non-radioactive waste
This guidelines, drawing from Ignalina NPP's experience, offers recommendations for minimising effort and expenses in decommissioning, allowing for increased free release, income generation, and reduced RAW repository capacity.
INPP, Lithuania - October 2023
- Development of the strategy of large components fragmentation of V1 NPP primary circuits
This seminar presents insights from JAVYS experts at V1 Nuclear Power Plant, Slovakia for the well-defined fragmentation strategy for primary circuit components. It offers tips and lessons learned, it addresses key questions and demonstrates strategy flexibility for successful implementation.
JAVYS, Slovakia - October 2023
- Establishment and update of a decommissioning database in V1 NPP decommissioning process
This guideline underscores the importance of physical and radiological characterisation in the decommissioning phases. It provides technical guidance for compiling a comprehensive database, facilitating efficient planning, risk assessment, and cost estimation. It offers insights and tips for database creation and continuous updating.
JAVYS, Slovakia - July 2023
- Decontamination of NPP V1 primary circuits VVER 440
This case study provides comprehensive guidance for decommissioning and waste management organisations, covering project phases from preparation to achieving objectives. The study assists in planning and implementing primary circuit decontamination projects, offering valuable insights and lessons learned.
JAVYS, Slovakia - October 2023
- Lesson learned in FARO dismantling process I
The FARO dismantling project at JRC-Ispra marks a significant decommissioning effort. Split into two phases. This document draws from FARO's experience, guiding preliminary activities for clearance procedures in decommissioning projects. It incorporates lessons learned, contamination reports, and software data to optimise costs, time, and safety.
JRC, Italy - October 2023
- Lesson learned in FARO dismantling process II
This lessons-learned report reflects the FARO dismantling. It offers guidance on nuclear decommissioning and proposes new methodologies and lessons from FARO. The report identifies hurdles in clearance processes and offers insights into planning, material identification, and instrumentation.
JRC, Italy - October 2023
- Nuclear Decommissioning and Radioactive Waste Management
This document comprehensively examines decommissioning programs, covering definitions, objectives, strategies, and radioactive waste management. It delves into programming, licensing, funding, cost estimation, and risk analysis, featuring an Italian case study and insights on decommissioning value and status.
JRC, Italy - October 2023
- Guidelines for conducting measurements and conformity assessments of decommissioning materials for free release through industrial disposal routes
This guideline outlines the process, requirements, and responsibilities for freeing materials from radiological control, focusing on fixed geometries like drums or pallets. It offers practical insights to prevent radioactive material spread and reduce decontamination costs.
SERAW, Bulgaria- October 2023
- Introduction to Cost Assessment, Funding and Control in Decommissioning Projects
This report guides nuclear decommissioning projects, presenting new cost estimation methods. It covers cost assessment, funding, and monitoring, emphasising accurate liability estimation for improved measurements and reduced risks.
JRC, Italy - October 2023
- 3DIMS Development and Operation
Discover the 3D Information Management System software's capabilities, introduced to JRC in March 2019, through this document. It offers practical guidance, contextual insights, and application examples in nuclear decommissioning engineering.
JRC, Italy - July 2023
- Soil and groundwater environmental data management and modelling for decommissioning of a nuclear site
The report outlines methodologies for digital data management, geodatabase creation, interpolation procedures, and 3D modelling, aiding in optimal process management. It aims to assist in developing a methodological approach to environmental activities, providing technical guidance through 3D modelling software.
JRC, Italy - October 2023
2022
- Lessons Learned at INPP on installation of radioactive metal waste treatment facility
The Workshop fosters dialogue among participants, facilitating knowledge exchange on INPP's Radioactive Metal Waste Treatment Facility installation.
INPP, Lithuania - October 2022
- Experience in risk management of decommissioning projects and application of MC simulations for schedule analysis and cost estimation
This document shares insights on implementing IAEA/NEA methodologies and MC simulations for decommissioning risk management and cost estimates in V1 NPP's decommissioning projects.
JAVYS, Slovakia - October 2022
- Treatment of LLW & ILW using plasma melting process and performance analysis
This document compiles experience in constructing and operating a Plasma Melting Facility for treating RAW at Kozloduy, emphasizing improvements and lessons learned compared to traditional treatment methods.
SERAW, Bulgaria - October 2022
2021
- The Bohunice V1 NPP Final Conceptual Decommissioning Plan and what was next
This resource offers insights into selecting optimal decommissioning strategies and setting up initial projects, covering planning, costing, and licensing aspects.
JAVYS, Slovakia - September 2021
- 3D model user experience in KNPP 1-4
This technical visit highlights the expertise in utilising 3D models for decommissioning and raw waste management. It assists in determining the cost-effective approach and scope for 3D work.
SERAW, Bulgaria - September 2021
- Analysis of different technologies for handling liquid radioactive waste
This document presents the experience and lessons learned in the analysis and application of Liquid Radioactive Waste technologies during the decommissioning program of INPP Unit 1 and 2 and auxiliary facilities.
INPP, Lithuania - September 2021