Societa Gestione Impianti Nucleari (Sogin), an Italian state-owned company, has started dismantling the former radwaste system at the Garigliano Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Sessa Aurunca, Caserta, Italy. The system, used to manage radioactive liquid effluents during the plant’s operation, is located in the radwaste building across two floors and four rooms, consisting of pipes, three tanks, and supporting instrumentation.

The Garigliano NPP, a 150 MWe boiling water reactor, began operating in 1964 and was decommissioned in 1982. Sogin, established in 1999, is responsible for decommissioning Italy’s nuclear facilities and managing radioactive waste. The radwaste system’s three tanks were reclaimed in 2023, including their sludge, as a preparatory step for the current dismantling process.

To ensure safety, Sogin and its subsidiary Nucleco upgraded the building’s electrical, ventilation, and radiological monitoring systems before commencing work. The dismantling employs remotely operated cutting robots, specifically designed for complex components, to minimize risks. Sogin stated: “The operations will be completed before the end of the year.” Approximately 50 tonnes of metal material will be removed, with an estimated 15 tonnes remaining as radioactive waste after melting and decontamination. This waste will be stored temporarily at the site until a National Depository is available, aligning with Sogin’s strategy to reduce waste volume.

In 2022, Sogin implemented a new treatment system for radioactive liquid effluents at Garigliano to maintain ongoing waste management activities during the dismantling process. This system supports the safe handling and disposal of effluents, ensuring operational continuity at the site.

The dismantling of the radwaste system is a significant step in the decommissioning of the Garigliano NPP. By utilizing advanced robotic technology and upgraded safety systems, Sogin aims to efficiently manage contaminated components while prioritizing worker and environmental safety. The project reflects Italy’s commitment to responsibly addressing its nuclear legacy through systematic decommissioning and waste management.

Sogin’s efforts at Garigliano contribute to the broader goal of safely managing Italy’s nuclear facilities. The company continues to advance its decommissioning projects, leveraging innovative technologies and strategic waste minimization to ensure sustainable outcomes. As the radwaste system dismantling progresses, Sogin remains focused on completing the work within the planned timeline, further advancing the site’s decommissioning process.