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The BN-350 Reactor Decommissioning: Quantitative Analysis and Prospects for Solid Radioactive Waste Management

Author

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  • Nurzhan Mukhamedov

    (Institute of Atomic Energy NNC RK, 10 Beibyt Atom St., 180010 Kurchatov, Kazakhstan)

  • Viktor Baklanov

    (Institute of Atomic Energy NNC RK, 10 Beibyt Atom St., 180010 Kurchatov, Kazakhstan)

  • Marat Moldagulov

    (Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine, 7 Promzona, 130000 Aktau, Kazakhstan)

  • Kuanyshbek Toleubekov

    (Institute of Atomic Energy NNC RK, 10 Beibyt Atom St., 180010 Kurchatov, Kazakhstan)

  • Artur Surayev

    (Institute of Atomic Energy NNC RK, 10 Beibyt Atom St., 180010 Kurchatov, Kazakhstan)

  • Artur Yagudin

    (Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine, 7 Promzona, 130000 Aktau, Kazakhstan)

  • Sergey Kanatnikov

    (Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine, 7 Promzona, 130000 Aktau, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

The BN-350 is the first industrial fast neutron reactor in the history of nuclear energy. It is currently undergoing decommissioning. One of the key challenges of decommissioning is managing the solid radioactive waste that has accumulated throughout the reactor’s operational life. At the moment, the accumulated solid radioactive waste is stored in a storage facility within the BN-350 reactor complex. An analysis showed that more than ~7262 tons with 5.17 × 10 14 Bq activity of various types of solid radioactive waste have been accumulated over the reactor operation. They are mainly represented by materials with low activity. At the same time, the main share of activity is comprised of highly active waste with a total mass of ~170 tons and an activity of 4.73 × 10 14 Bq. A solid radioactive waste management strategy has been developed. It includes all stages from collection and classification to transportation and long-term storage. Modern technologies now offer new possibilities. Some radioactive waste can be processed and reused in other economic sectors. In particular, recycling metals and alloys can reduce the volume of solid radioactive waste. It can also return valuable materials to industrial use.

Suggested Citation

  • Nurzhan Mukhamedov & Viktor Baklanov & Marat Moldagulov & Kuanyshbek Toleubekov & Artur Surayev & Artur Yagudin & Sergey Kanatnikov, 2025. "The BN-350 Reactor Decommissioning: Quantitative Analysis and Prospects for Solid Radioactive Waste Management," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4651-:d:1740191
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    1. Nurzhan Mukhamedov & Kuanyshbek Toleubekov & Galina Vityuk & Maxat Bekmuldin & Sergey Dolzhikov, 2025. "Decommissioning of the BN-350 Fast Neutron Reactor: History Review and Current Status," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-15, July.
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