AREVA signs dismantling contract with NorthStar

AREVA has signed a contract with US-based NorthStar to segment, package and transport the reactor pressure vessel and internal reactor components of the Vermont Yankee Boiling Water Reactor for off-site disposal. The reactor began commercial operation in 1972 and at full power, supplied 620 MWe. Vermont Yankee’s reactor pressure vessel is a large steel cylinder with a diameter of 5.5 metres and 13 cm thick walls. To segment and dismantle the radioactive reactor components, AREVA’s teams will use a variety of remotely operated underwater tools specifically designed for nuclear decommissioning.