Assessing the value of thermal treatment technologies

Abstract

Work Package 2 of the THERAMIN project provides a framework to support decision making on the potential use of thermal technologies to treat various radioactive wastes. To do this, a methodology based on multi-attribute decision analysis has been devised to identify the benefits of applying thermal treatment techniques to a range of radioactive waste streams. The value assessment methodology used in THERAMIN follows an attribute-based approach with the potential benefits of the treatment technology assessed against different criteria, considering performance over the whole waste management lifecycle, from pre-treatment through to final disposal. The attribute groups considered are: operational safety, environmental impact, impact on disposability/long term safety, implementation, timescale, technical readiness, and cost impact. To guide the decision maker, each attribute in split into data categories (sub-criteria) and a summary of topics to be considered under each attribute is provided. The assessment attributes have been compiled by drawing on knowledge from across the THERAMIN partner organisations to make them as comprehensive as possible. Consideration is given to the whole of the waste lifecycle and to different European regulatory contexts.