#Belgium #Muroosystems #NUKEM #Dessel

NUKEM Technologies Reaches Major Milestone in Belgium's Radioactive Waste Cement Solidification Project

On a momentous note, NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Muroosystems, based in Karlstein, Germany, has recently announced important advancements in its design and construction project for a radioactive waste cement solidification facility in Dessel, Belgium. These achievements represent a crucial step towards ensuring the project's realization and fostering sustainable and safe management of radioactive waste.

Key Achievements

Successful Full-Scale Testing (September 2024)

The facility's mixing technology and the quality of the solidified waste matrix have been demonstrated to meet all technical specifications and acceptance criteria. This success corroborates the reliability and effectiveness of the process, laying a solid groundwork for future operations.

Conducted Workshop on Maintainability (January 2025, Karlstein)

A workshop aimed at identifying key technological challenges for the second phase has been organized, facilitating improvements for subsequent demonstrations. Preparations are underway to enhance the maintainability of the equipment and processes involved in the project.

Risk Assessment Meeting (February 2025, Dessel)

A comprehensive review of processes and safety using HAZOP/HAZID/LOPA methodologies was conducted, with agreed-upon countermeasures formulated. This meeting is integral to ensuring safety and efficiency as the project moves forward.

These milestones are the product of the close collaboration between NUKEM and the Belgian radioactive waste management authority, NIRAS (ONDRAF), corroborating the progress made toward the completion of the detailed design phase (Phase 1).

Project Overview

This ambitious project aims to build a cement solidification facility targeting high-nitrate and acidic radioactive liquid waste, some of which originates from decommissioned nuclear facilities. Once operational, around 800 drums of liquid waste will be processed, stabilizing them in a form that can be safely stored long-term. Leveraging a laboratory process developed by the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), NUKEM has successfully transitioned this technology to an industrial scale. The innovative process encapsulates liquid waste within non-radioactive mortar, ensuring safe and efficient final disposal.

Future Prospects

As the detailed design phase nears completion, the project is set to progress into construction, testing, and commissioning phases, aiming for facility operation by 2029. This facility is expected to play a pivotal role in managing radioactive waste treatment in Belgium while making significant contributions toward long-term environmental preservation.

Executive Comments

"Through this project, we are not only fulfilling technical requirements but also building trust and accountability for future generations," stated Thomas Seipolt, Executive Officer and President of NUKEM.
"We are proud that NUKEM can contribute to Belgium's national interests through this cement solidification facility. Promoting safe and sustainable radioactive waste management is both a technological challenge and a societal mission," remarked Nobuaki Ninomiya, Executive Officer and Managing Director of NUKEM.

Company Overview

About NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH

Established in 1960, NUKEM has more than 60 years of experience in managing radioactive waste and spent fuel, as well as decommissioning nuclear facilities. By providing cutting-edge technologies and high-quality solutions, NUKEM supports nuclear projects worldwide. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Muroosystems, NUKEM leverages the group's technical expertise and network to contribute to the advancement of safe and sustainable radioactive waste management.

• - Headquarters: Zeche Gustav 6, 63791 Karlstein am Main, Germany
• - CEO: Thomas Seipolt
• - Established: 1960
• - Website: www.nukemtechnologies.de
• - Business: Management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, nuclear engineering, and consulting services.

About Muroosystems

Founded in 2006, Muroosystems is a Japanese IT company that provides IT solutions centered around distributed computing power centers. The company is also focusing on renewable energy-based power development projects, aiming for growth in environmental technology. As the 100% parent company of NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH, Muroosystems is promoting the integration of nuclear technology and IT, striving to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

• - Headquarters: 4th Floor, Takako Building, 4-15-1 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Nobuaki Ninomiya
• - Established: 2006
• - Website: www.group.muroosystems.com
• - Business: IT solutions and renewable energy-related projects.

Contact Information

NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH
Yvonne Amend
Email: [email protected]

Muroosystems
Public Relations Office
Email: [email protected]