The nuclear decommissioning market is the industry that provides services for the safe shutdown and dismantling of nuclear facilities, such as power plants and research reactors, once they have reached the end of their operational life. As a significant number of the world's nuclear reactors built in the mid-to-late 20th century are reaching retirement age, this market is experiencing a significant boom. The process is highly complex, expensive, and can take decades to complete.

Decommissioning involves several key stages, including initial planning, removal of nuclear fuel from the reactor, decontamination of the facility, and the safe dismantling and disposal of the physical structures. The primary challenge is the management of radioactive waste generated during the process. This waste, which includes everything from contaminated equipment to concrete from the reactor building, must be properly treated, packaged, and transported for storage or disposal. The nuclear decommissioning market is driven by a mix of factors, including regulatory requirements, safety concerns, and the economic impracticality of extending the life of older plants. As the global push for carbon-free energy continues, the decommissioning of aging nuclear infrastructure will remain a major and long-term focus of the nuclear industry.