The reactor is refueled annually. Refueling is manual. Half of the core is replaced in every refueling. Spent fuel is placed in a pool. The pool has capacity for accommodating the spent fuel produced by seven years of reactor operation. After seven years, the older spent fuel elements will be removed to a dry storage.

Waste handling facilities are similar to the ones for conventional PWR. Solid waste management must be tailored to the site and country characteristics.

4.4 Decommissioning

No specific features related to decommissioning of integrated reactors has been identified. Actually, dismantling of the plant will probably be easier than the corresponding to a conventional PWR: dismantling of the primary system is achieved by just removing the pressure vessel.

3. CONCLUSIONS

The paper gives and overview of the status of CAREM design. The description makes emphasis in those topics that can imply important differences with respect to traditional PWR technologies.

Although some areas in which R&D activities are necessary have been identified, the problems specific to integrated type reactors are well within the present technological capabilities of the industry.