Launched in June 2017, INSIDER aims to develop and validate a new and improved integrated characterisation methodology and strategy during nuclear decommissioning and dismantling operations (D&D) of nuclear power plants, post accidental land remediation or nuclear facilities under constrained environments.

Indeed, new methodologies are necessary for the accurate initial estimation of contaminated materials, resulting waste volumes and timely planning. To address this challenge, INSIDER will develop a common applicable approach based on advanced statistics and modelling, innovative analytical and measurement methods, and the results of three case studies.

Selected D&D industrial actors will drive the comprehensive and realistic conclusions in close collaboration with European R&D organisations. This work will lead to guidelines, recommendations and elements for pre-standardisation initiatives.

The expected outcome of the project is to enable, at the required level of precision, a representation of the radiological status of facilities or components, which will allow to make the proper decisions concerning different D&D scenario options.

Coordinated by Danièle Roudil, President of the Commission  for the Establishment of Analytical Methods (CETAMA), at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), in Marcoule (Gard, France), INSIDER involves all types of  expertise, from PhD students to engineers and technicians for a duration of 4 years. The INSIDER consortium includes 18 partners from 10 European countries: 11 research centres, 4 SME’s, two nuclear operators, and one services and engineering company.