Dismantling of the FiR 1 TRIGA reactor in Espoo, Finland

The FiR 1, a 250 kW TRIGA reactor on the Otaniemi Campus close to Helsinki, Finland, was permanently shut down in June 2015. In 2016 VTT contracted Babcock Noell GmbH to develop the methodology and procedures for the dismantling of the systems, components and structures of the FiR 1. VTT contracted in 2020 Fortum to plan and execute the dismantling and dismantling waste management including the preparation of the final detailed dismantling plan and work instructions. Dismantling site construction started February 2023 and the dismantling works by Fortum began in June 2023 and will be finished spring 2024. The organization of the dismantling operation and the actual dismantling works are described. The major successes as well as surprises in the dismantling of the more than 60 years old facility are highlighted.