세계의 원전 해체 시장 규모는 2025년에 75억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 2034년까지 112억 달러에 달할 것으로 예측되며, 2026년부터 2034년까지 CAGR 4.44%로 성장할 것으로 전망됩니다. 재생에너지원의 이용 증가, 원자로 가동 중단, 방사성 폐기물 관리에 대한 관심이 시장 성장을 견인하고 있습니다.
재생에너지원에 대한 수요 증가
태양광, 풍력, 수력 등 신재생에너지는 원자력 등 기존 에너지원에 비해 비용 경쟁력이 높아지고 있습니다. 따라서 재생에너지의 증가 추세는 에너지 시장에서 원자력발전과 직접적으로 경쟁할 수 있는 가능성을 가지고 있습니다. 이러한 경쟁은 원자력발전소의 수익성과 생존 가능성에 영향을 미치고, 결과적으로 조기 폐쇄로 이어질 수 있습니다. 이와 더불어 환경 문제, 원자력 안전, 방사성 폐기물 처리에 대한 일반 대중의 인식이 높아지면서 에너지원에 대한 여론과 선택에 영향을 미쳐 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 재생에너지는 원자력발전에 비해 더 깨끗하고 안전하며 지속가능한 것으로 일반적으로 인식되고 있습니다. 이에 따라 재생에너지에 대한 국민적 지지와 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 이러한 여론의 변화는 정책 입안자들에게 재생에너지 개발을 우선시하는 동시에 원자력발전을 단계적으로 폐지하도록 압력을 가하고 있으며, 이는 원자력 시설의 폐지로 이어지고 있습니다. 원자력발전소의 해체는 재생에너지와 같은 다른 에너지원의 도입으로 이어지고 있습니다. 국제에너지기구(IEA)의 보고서에 따르면, 2028년에는 재생에너지원이 전 세계 전력 생산량의 42% 이상을 차지할 것으로 예상되며, 풍력과 태양광발전의 비중은 25%로 두 배로 늘어날 것으로 전망하고 있습니다.
원자로 정지
세계원자력협회의 2024년 보고서에 따르면, 지난 20년간 전 세계적으로 107기의 원자로가 정지되었습니다. 원자로는 운전 수명이 다하거나 경제성이 상실되면 영구 정지됩니다. 이 때문에 전 세계적으로 원자로 폐로 프로젝트가 증가하고 있습니다. 원자로의 폐쇄가 늘어남에 따라 복잡한 폐로 과정을 안전하고 효율적이며 비용 효율적으로 관리할 수 있는 숙련된 전문가와 기업에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 또한, 원자로의 정지는 첨단 폐로 기술 및 방법론의 개발을 촉진하고 있습니다. 기업들은 보다 안전하고 효율적이며 비용 효율적인 해체, 오염 제거, 폐기물 관리, 부지 복구 방법을 찾기 위해 연구개발 활동에 투자하고 있으며, 이는 원전 해체 시장의 성장에 영향을 미칠 것으로 예상됩니다.
방사성 폐기물 관리에 대한 관심 증가
2022년 태평양 북서부 국립연구소(PNNL) 보고서에 따르면, 전 세계 고체 방사성 폐기물의 총량은 약 3,800만m3이며, 이 중 81%는 영구 처분되었고, 19%는 최종 처분 대기 중입니다. 폐로 활동에서도 방사성 폐기물이 발생하고 있으며, 이는 심각한 문제로 대두되고 있습니다. 그 결과, 방사성 폐기물에 대한 혁신적인 처리 및 처분 방법에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 또한, 규제 당국은 폐로 활동에서 발생하는 방사성 폐기물의 안전한 관리 및 처분에 대해 엄격한 규정을 적용하고 있습니다. 이러한 규정을 준수하는 것은 폐로 프로젝트를 진행하기 위한 허가와 승인을 받는 데 있어 매우 중요합니다. 환경 및 안전 문제를 해결하기 위해 규정이 변경되는 가운데, 탈원전 관련 기업들은 이러한 규정을 준수하기 위해 폐기물 관리 솔루션에 투자하고 있습니다. 또한, 효과적인 방사성 폐기물 관리는 공중 보건 및 환경 보호의 핵심입니다. 방사성 폐기물의 부적절한 취급 및 폐기는 토양, 수질, 대기의 오염을 유발하여 인간의 건강과 환경에 장기적인 위험을 초래할 수 있습니다. 또한, 규제 당국, 지역사회, 환경단체 등 이해관계자들은 방사성 폐기물이 안전하고 책임감 있게 처리되는지 확인하기 위해 해체 프로젝트를 엄격하게 모니터링하고 있습니다.
The global nuclear decommissioning market size reached USD 7.5 Billion in 2025 . Looking forward, it is expected that the market will reach USD 11.2 Billion by 2034 , exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.44% during 2026-2034 . Rising utilization of renewable energy sources, shutting down of nuclear reactors, and focus on radioactive waste management are expanding the market growth.
Key Market Trends: The nuclear decommissioning market overview highlights the rising focus on environmental remediation, along with the ongoing adoption of innovative technologies, are facilitating the market growth.
Geographical Trends: Europe holds the largest segment because of stringent regulatory frameworks for nuclear safety.
Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the nuclear decommissioning industry include Aecom, Babcock International Group PLC, Bechtel Corporation, Electricite de France S.A, EnergySolutions, General Electric Company, James Fisher and Sons plc, Northstar Group Services Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., Orano SA, Studsvik AB and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC., among many others.
Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges like technical issues, which impacts the market, it also encounters opportunities in the development of effective and safe decommissioning process.
Major Market Drivers: The demand for renewable energy and rising number of ageing nuclear power plants is contributing to the growth of the market.
Key Market Trends: The nuclear decommissioning market overview highlights the rising focus on environmental remediation, along with the ongoing adoption of innovative technologies, are facilitating the market growth.
Geographical Trends: Europe holds the largest segment because of stringent regulatory frameworks for nuclear safety.
Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the nuclear decommissioning industry include Aecom, Babcock International Group PLC, Bechtel Corporation, Electricite de France S.A, EnergySolutions, General Electric Company, James Fisher and Sons plc, Northstar Group Services Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., Orano SA, Studsvik AB and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC., among many others.
Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges like technical issues, which impacts the market, it also encounters opportunities in the development of effective and safe decommissioning process.
Increasing demand for renewable energy sources
Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are now becoming more cost-competitive with the traditional sources such as nuclear power. Therefore, the trend of renewable energy is increasing, which can directly compete with nuclear power in the energy market. The competition can affect the profitability and viability of the nuclear power plants, which results in their early decommissioning. Besides this, the rising public awareness about environmental issues and nuclear safety and radioactive waste disposal that can affect public opinion and choices on energy sources is supporting the market growth. Renewable energy is usually recognized as cleaner, safer, and more sustainable compared to nuclear power. This, in turn, is increasing the public support and demand for renewable energy initiatives. This change in the public opinion can create a pressure on the policymakers to prioritize the development of renewable energy and at the same time phase out the nuclear power, which is leading to the decommissioning of the nuclear facilities. The dismantlement of nuclear power plants is leading to the adoption of other energy sources like the renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency report, it is expected that the renewable energy sources will account for over 42% of global electricity generation in 2028, with the share of wind and solar PV doubling to 25%.
Shutting down of nuclear reactors
The World Nuclear Association report of 2024 claims that over the past 20 years, 107 nuclear reactors were shut down across the globe. As nuclear reactors reach the end of their operational lifespans or become economically unviable, they are shut down permanently. Thus the number of nuclear decommissioning projects is rising around the world. With the growing number of reactors being shut down, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals and firms that can manage the complex decommissioning process safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Besides this, the shutdown of nuclear reactors is leading to the development of advanced decommissioning technologies and methods. Companies are spending on research and development (R&D) activities to come up with the safer, more efficient, and cost-effective ways of dismantling, decontamination, waste management, and site remediation, which is anticipated to influence the nuclear decommissioning market growth.
Rising focus on radioactive waste management
As per the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) report of 2022, the total global inventory of solid radioactive waste was approximately 38 million m3, of which 81% of the total waste was disposed of permanently and a further 19% was in storage awaiting for final disposal. Radioactive waste is also generated during decommissioning activities, which is becoming a significant challenge. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative waste treatment and disposable methods for radioactive waste. Moreover, regulatory agencies are imposing strict rules for the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste that is produced during decommissioning activities. The compliance with these regulations is vital for getting the permits and the approvals to proceed with the decommissioning projects. As rules are changing to deal with the environmental and safety issues, firms participating in nuclear decommissioning are investing in waste management solutions to comply with these rules. In addition, effective radioactive waste management is the key to the protection of public health and the environment. Improper handling or throwing away the radioactive waste can cause the pollution of the soil, water, and air, which is leading long-term dangers to human health and the environment. Furthermore, stakeholders, among which regulatory authorities, local communities, and environmental organizations, are closely examining decommissioning projects to make sure that the radioactive waste is handled safely and responsibly.
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR)
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR)
Others
Pressurized water reactor (PWR) accounts for the majority of the market share
Pressure water reactor (PWR) is the most used reactor technology for nuclear power generation around the world. As many of these reactors are approaching the end of their operational life spans, the need for decommissioning services is increasing. Additionally, PWRs are huge in size in comparison to other reactors, which, in turn, causes the decommissioning processes to be complicated and requires a lot of resources and experts. Moreover, PWR decommissioning projects usually involve large amounts of radioactive waste, requiring sophisticated waste management solutions.
Immediate Dismantling
Deferred Dismantling
Entombment
Immediate Dismantling
Immediate dismantling holds the largest share of the industry
The instant removal of the radioactive materials and structures from a decommissioned nuclear facility is the immediate dismantling. This approach allows for the release of the site for potential reuse or redevelopment, minimizing the long-term financial liabilities associated with maintaining a decommissioned facility. Besides this, nuclear decommissioning market recent development of the technology and expertise is making the immediate dismantling feasible and cost-effective, thereby driving its widespread adoption.
801 MW-1000 MW
Above 1000 MW
Upto 800 MW
801 MW-1000 MW
Above 1000 MW
Upto 800 MW represents the leading market segment
Smaller reactors within this segment tend to be older and less economically viable to operate compared to larger and more modern plants. Consequently, they are more likely to be decommissioned. Furthermore, regulatory requirements and safety standards for decommissioning are generally similar regardless of plant size, and complexities and challenges associated with decommissioning smaller reactors are often comparable to those of larger ones. As a result, decommissioning projects for reactors up to 800 MW represent a substantial portion of the overall nuclear decommissioning demand.
United States
Canada
Asia-Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Others
Others
Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Russia Others
United Kingdom
Others
Latin America Brazil Mexico Others
Others
Middle East and Africa
North America United States Canada
United States
Canada
United States
Canada
United States
Canada
Asia-Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Others
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe Germany France United Kingdom Italy Spain Russia Others
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America Brazil Mexico Others
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
Europe leads the market, accounting for the largest nuclear decommissioning market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe represents the largest regional market for nuclear decommissioning.
According to the World Nuclear Association report of 2024, in UK 36 nuclear reactors were shut down by 2024. Europe has a notable number of ageing nuclear power plants that are reaching the end of their operational lifespans. As many of these plants were built several decades ago and decommissioning them are becoming a necessity. Secondly, European countries have stringent regulatory frameworks governing nuclear safety and decommissioning, which necessitate thorough planning and compliance with rigorous standards. These regulations create a robust framework for decommissioning activities, ensuring that they are carried out safely and responsibly.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major nuclear decommissioning companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the nuclear decommissioning industry include Aecom, Babcock International Group PLC, Bechtel Corporation, Electricite de France S.A, EnergySolutions, General Electric Company, James Fisher and Sons plc, Northstar Group Services Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., Orano SA, Studsvik AB and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
Companies are continuously developing innovative decommissioning solutions, such as advanced robotics and remote handling technologies. They are also manufacturing specialized equipment and processes for handling and treating radioactive waste generated during decommissioning activities to increase the nuclear decommissioning market revenue. Many key players are providing a range of services, including dismantling, decontamination, waste management, and site restoration. In addition, many leading players are offering comprehensive decommissioning solutions, including reactor dismantling, waste packaging, and site restoration. Several companies are shutting down their nuclear plants due to their aging intended operational lifespans. For instance, in 2022, Entergy Corporation shut down its Palisades nuclear plant on Lake Michigan, which was an 800-megawatt facility.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major nuclear decommissioning companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the nuclear decommissioning industry include Aecom, Babcock International Group PLC, Bechtel Corporation, Electricite de France S.A, EnergySolutions, General Electric Company, James Fisher and Sons plc, Northstar Group Services Inc., Ontario Power Generation Inc., Orano SA, Studsvik AB and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
Companies are continuously developing innovative decommissioning solutions, such as advanced robotics and remote handling technologies. They are also manufacturing specialized equipment and processes for handling and treating radioactive waste generated during decommissioning activities to increase the nuclear decommissioning market revenue. Many key players are providing a range of services, including dismantling, decontamination, waste management, and site restoration. In addition, many leading players are offering comprehensive decommissioning solutions, including reactor dismantling, waste packaging, and site restoration. Several companies are shutting down their nuclear plants due to their aging intended operational lifespans. For instance, in 2022, Entergy Corporation shut down its Palisades nuclear plant on Lake Michigan, which was an 800-megawatt facility.
October 31, 2023: Bechtel and Westinghouse expanded their partnership with Czech Republic to supply four AP1000 reactors, which is the most advanced nuclear technology.
June 21, 2023: EnergySolutions, a major supplier of services to the nuclear industry announced that it will deliver experienced project management and supervision in support of U.S. nuclear plant life extension and new plant construction, and it is also supporting the energy industry's 2050 net zero goals.
16 September 2024: Fortum's Nuclear Services has signed a multi-year agreement with the European Commission to provide expert reviews for nuclear decommissioning programs in Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Fortum brings extensive experience in nuclear decommissioning, including the recent dismantling of Finland's first nuclear reactor.
18 December 2024: The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved Chubu Electric Power's applications for changes to the decommissioning plan and Technical Specification for Units 1 and 2 of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station. The decommissioning process will enter Phase 3 on December 25, with the schedule for this phase extended from 6 to 12 years.
17 December 2024: AFRY has signed a four-year framework contract, with a potential two-year extension, to support the Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning agency (NND) in securely dismantling nuclear facilities in Norway. The contract includes program and project management services, offering NND vital knowledge to successfully manage and implement their projects.
9 May 2023: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) announced its plan to sell all of the 1,600-acre Vallecitos Nuclear Center to NorthStar Group Services, Inc., where it would decontaminate, decommission, and restore the site for environmental purposes. This deal is pending approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the State of California, and other governmental entities.
October 31, 2023: Bechtel and Westinghouse expanded their partnership with Czech Republic to supply four AP1000 reactors, which is the most advanced nuclear technology.
June 21, 2023: EnergySolutions, a major supplier of services to the nuclear industry announced that it will deliver experienced project management and supervision in support of U.S. nuclear plant life extension and new plant construction, and it is also supporting the energy industry's 2050 net zero goals.
16 September 2024: Fortum's Nuclear Services has signed a multi-year agreement with the European Commission to provide expert reviews for nuclear decommissioning programs in Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Fortum brings extensive experience in nuclear decommissioning, including the recent dismantling of Finland's first nuclear reactor.
18 December 2024: The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved Chubu Electric Power's applications for changes to the decommissioning plan and Technical Specification for Units 1 and 2 of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station. The decommissioning process will enter Phase 3 on December 25, with the schedule for this phase extended from 6 to 12 years.
17 December 2024: AFRY has signed a four-year framework contract, with a potential two-year extension, to support the Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning agency (NND) in securely dismantling nuclear facilities in Norway. The contract includes program and project management services, offering NND vital knowledge to successfully manage and implement their projects.
9 May 2023: GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) announced its plan to sell all of the 1,600-acre Vallecitos Nuclear Center to NorthStar Group Services, Inc., where it would decontaminate, decommission, and restore the site for environmental purposes. This deal is pending approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the State of California, and other governmental entities.
Rector Type
Strategy
Capacity
Region
KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS REPORT