Global Nuclear Decommissioning Services Market by Service Type (Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants, Decommissioning of Research Reactors, Waste Management Services, Site Remediation Services), by End-Use Industry (Nuclear Power Industry, Government & Regulatory Authorities, Environmental Consulting Firms, Engineering & Construction Services) and By Region: Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Nuclear Decommissioning Services Market was valued at USD 7.9 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 14.1 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 10.2% during 2025 - 2030.

The nuclear decommissioning services market is an essential sector focused on the safe and efficient dismantling of nuclear facilities, including power plants and research reactors, following their closure. This process involves the removal of radioactive materials, decontamination of sites, and the proper disposal of hazardous waste, ensuring environmental safety and compliance with regulatory standards. As nuclear power plants worldwide reach the end of their operational lifespan, the demand for decommissioning services is growing, alongside an increasing focus on environmental protection and sustainable waste management. The market also benefits from the gradual shift towards cleaner and more renewable energy sources, with the closure of aging nuclear reactors and research facilities contributing to the demand for decommissioning expertise.

The nuclear decommissioning services market is driven by government regulations, industry standards, and the complexities involved in safely handling nuclear waste and managing hazardous materials. The services offered in this market are diverse, encompassing a wide range of activities from waste management to site remediation, ensuring that nuclear facilities can be safely and securely decommissioned, with minimal environmental impact. The growth of the market is expected to continue as more plants and reactors are shut down globally, with the need for specialized services at the forefront.

Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants Is Largest Service Type Due to Aging Infrastructure

Decommissioning of nuclear power plants is the largest service type in the nuclear decommissioning services market, driven by the aging infrastructure of many nuclear plants across the globe. As these plants reach the end of their operational life, there is an increasing need to safely dismantle and decommission them. The process involves decontaminating plant facilities, removing radioactive materials, and ensuring that the site is left free of hazards, all while adhering to strict regulatory standards.

The decommissioning of nuclear power plants is a complex and long-term process that requires specialized expertise in handling radioactive materials, advanced technology, and careful planning. With the increasing number of nuclear plants nearing closure, this service type is expected to remain dominant. The demand for these services is also fueled by growing concerns over nuclear safety, environmental protection, and public health, further driving the need for professional decommissioning services.

Waste Management Services Is Fastest Growing Due to Increasing Demand for Safe Disposal Solutions

Waste management services represent the fastest-growing segment in the nuclear decommissioning services market. The safe and effective management of nuclear waste is critical in ensuring that the decommissioning process minimizes environmental risks and complies with health and safety regulations. As more nuclear facilities close or enter decommissioning phases, the need for specialized waste management solutions to handle radioactive materials is increasing.

Waste management services in nuclear decommissioning include the collection, treatment, storage, and disposal of radioactive waste, which can range from low-level waste to high-level waste. The growing focus on environmental sustainability and safety, as well as advancements in waste containment and disposal technologies, is driving the expansion of this segment. Additionally, regulatory frameworks in various countries are tightening, requiring more rigorous waste management practices and further boosting the demand for these services.

Nuclear Power Industry Is Largest End-Use Industry Due to High Decommissioning Needs

The nuclear power industry is the largest end-use industry for nuclear decommissioning services, as it involves the largest number of facilities that require decommissioning after their operational lifespan. Nuclear power plants worldwide, particularly those in developed countries, are reaching the end of their service life, resulting in a rising need for decommissioning services. These facilities require expert services to ensure that the decommissioning process is safe, efficient, and in line with environmental regulations.

With the growing focus on nuclear plant closures, the nuclear power industry remains the primary end-user of decommissioning services. The long duration of decommissioning projects, coupled with stringent regulatory requirements, drives consistent demand for these services in the industry. Furthermore, the aging of nuclear plants worldwide ensures a steady flow of decommissioning projects in the years to come, cementing the nuclear power industry as the largest end-use sector for this market.

North America Region Is Largest Due to High Number of Nuclear Decommissioning Projects

North America is the largest region in the nuclear decommissioning services market, driven by the significant number of nuclear power plants and research reactors in the region that are nearing the end of their operational life. The United States, in particular, is home to many aging nuclear plants that are scheduled for decommissioning, creating a substantial demand for specialized services. Additionally, North American regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), have stringent decommissioning standards, further driving the need for professional decommissioning services.

The North American region also benefits from advanced technology and well-established infrastructure for nuclear decommissioning, with numerous companies offering expertise in waste management, site remediation, and the safe dismantling of nuclear facilities. As the number of decommissioning projects grows, especially in the U.S. and Canada, the region is expected to maintain its leadership in the global nuclear decommissioning services market.

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

The nuclear decommissioning services market is highly specialized and competitive, with several key players offering a range of services in the areas of decommissioning, waste management, and site remediation. Leading companies in the market include Orano, AECOM, Westinghouse Electric Company, and CH2M Hill (now part of Jacobs Engineering). These companies have extensive experience and expertise in handling the complexities of nuclear decommissioning projects, providing solutions that meet stringent regulatory and safety standards.

Competitive strategies in the market focus on technological innovation, cost-efficiency, and expanding service portfolios. Companies are investing in advanced technologies to improve the efficiency of decommissioning processes and enhance safety, as well as expanding their geographic presence to cater to growing demand in regions with large nuclear industries. Collaboration with government and regulatory bodies, as well as partnerships with environmental consulting firms, is also a key strategy for market leaders. The ongoing demand for nuclear decommissioning services, driven by aging infrastructure and environmental considerations, ensures a dynamic and competitive landscape in this essential sector.

Recent Developments:

• Orano SA completed a major decommissioning project for a retired nuclear reactor in France, demonstrating advanced techniques for safely managing nuclear waste.
• Westinghouse Electric Company signed a contract with a European government agency to begin decommissioning a nuclear power plant that has been out of service for over a decade.
• Fluor Corporation announced the successful completion of a high-risk decommissioning project at a nuclear facility in the United States, marking a milestone in radioactive waste management.
• AECOM secured a new contract to provide site remediation and environmental cleanup services at a decommissioned nuclear plant in the UK.
• Babcock International Group has been awarded a long-term contract to oversee the decommissioning and waste management at a major nuclear site in Scotland.

List of Leading Companies:

• Orano SA
• Bechtel Corporation
• Westinghouse Electric Company
• Fluor Corporation
• Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.
• AECOM
• CH2M Hill
• Environet
• Kiewit Corporation
• Babcock International Group
• EnergySolutions LLC
• Atkins Global
• SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
• AMEC Foster Wheeler
• RWE AG

Report Scope: