A study commissioned by the Nuclear Energy Agency, "Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants, Policies, Strategies and Costs", shows a wide variation in many aspects of national decommissioning strategies. Processes and techniques for the decommissioning of nuclear installations have greatly advanced over the last 20 years. However, international overviews of approaches to national policy and regulation in decommissioning that may lead to harmonisation are only now starting to emerge. As a result, decommissioning strategies can differ considerably from country to country. Deregulation of electricity markets raises issues with regard to covering the costs associated with decommissioning activities. It is essential to ensure that money for decommissioning of nuclear installations will be available when needed, and that no stranded liabilities will be left to be financed by taxpayers rather than by electricity consumers. From the industry viewpoint, it is essential to understand and monitor decommissioning costs to develop a coherent strategy that reflects national policy, assures worker and public safety, while also being cost effective.
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