Sogin, adaptation work started at Caorso for the temporary Ersba1 repository
18 April 2025
Sogin began the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the temporary repository facility for low-level radioactive waste called “Ersba1” at the Caorso (Piacenza) nuclear power plant, to adapt it to the latest safety standards stipulated by industry regulations and legislation.
The interventions on the 50 metre long, 30 metre wide and about 6 metre high structure will involve the demolition of the roof, concrete walls and the foundations, which will be followed by the reconstruction of the new repository on the same site, with a similar volume to the dismantled building. At the end of the civil engineering adjustments, two cranes will be installed inside to handle the products and the plant systems.
The Piacenza power plant is also in the process of adapting the temporary repository for medium activity waste, called “Ersma”, which involves the demolition of only the internal sections, whereas the upgrading work was completed in 2023 on the other temporary repository for low activity waste, “Ersba2”, which is currently operational.
The adaptation of these three repositories avoids creating new temporary storage facilities on site. Previous radioactive waste and waste produced by decommissioning activities will be housed there, pending their subsequent removal to the National Repository, once this becomes available.
