Work

When waste becomes a resource: Applying a circular economy framework to nuclear power decommissioning

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The term “circular economy” (CE) has been used inconsistently in nuclear decommissioning, leading to potential misinterpretations and mismatches between CE definitions and practices. With numerous nuclear installations worldwide requiring decommissioning, a clear and consolidated definition of CE, along with relevant dimensions and indicators, is needed to enable transition from the prevailing linear approach to a more sustainable and circular one. This study addresses two key questions: How can CE be defined in the context of nuclear decommissioning to ensure clarity and consistency? What key indicators can assess the practical implementation of CE in decommissioning? A two-round Delphi study was conducted in 2024 with nine experts to address these questions. The findings were validated through a facilitated Group discussion with 19 stakeholders, including industry professionals, operators, authorities, and researchers. The results provide a unified definition of CE in nuclear decommissioning and measurable indicators covering societal, environmental, health and safety, techno-economic, and legal dimensions. This study offers actionable insights for regulators, practitioners and policymakers, facilitating the integration CE principles and the comprehensive evaluation of circularity in nuclear decommissioning processes. • Nearly half of 423 nuclear reactors may begin decommissioning by 2050, taking decades. • Through waste reduction and resource reuse, the Circular Economy supports global sustainability goals. • The term ‘circular economy’ is often used inconsistently, leading to confusion and misuse. • A consolidated definition of Circular Economy, key concepts, dimensions and indicators are developed. • Societal, environmental, safety, economic, and legal dimensions indicators are defined.

Source: Energy Research & Social Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104320

Authors: T. Perko, R. Geysmans, C. Turcanu, Gabriela Román-Ross, Maia Vercelli

Institutions: University of Ljubljana, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Amphos 21 (Spain)

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450