Cyclife Sweden to recycle even more metals by 2025 with a second facility

Cyclife Sweden is building the SMA Extension plant, which is scheduled to open in 2025. This new facility will double the site's capacity to process very large components, in particular steam generators for nuclear power plants, meeting global market demand and EDF's future needs as part of an enhanced circular economy approach.

"The market demands the treatment of steam generators", explains Michael Kendall, director of the extension project. "We already know how to process this type of large component, and three years ago it was decided to double our capacity in Sweden and develop this activity, particularly in view of the potential for dismantling around the world. Over and above the commercial response, this extension is also a kind of pilot plant designed to gain experience to meet EDF's future needs in terms of steam generator treatment in France and at the planned Technocentre facility at Fessenheim."

Is the project progressing as planned?

"Construction of the new facility is on schedule. We are having some challenges with the licensing process taking longer than expected, but that's a common problem in the industry."
 

Watch the progress of the worksite of the SMA Extension building at Cyclife Sweden 

What is the difference between this new facility and the current one?

Firstly, it has a higher capacity and can accommodate larger and heavier components. Secondly, it is specifically designed for steam generators, which have a dynamic production flow rather than a static process.

"In the traditional process, the steam generator remains stationary while equipment is moved to it for various treatments. In the new facility, we do the opposite, with a flow where the steam generator moves between different specialised work areas. The aim is to be able to process several generators at the same time."

"For other treatments, we now have a hall designed to accommodate the largest component we expect to receive, measuring up to 23x7 metres and weighing 740 tonnes. The largest component we have received in the current facility."

Another fundamental aspect of the Extension facility is that the ventilation is divided into several separate systems. This means that secondary waste can be collected more efficiently from each customer, allowing us to treat several customers simultaneously while keeping them completely separate. This all contributes to a more efficient flow.

What is the situation right now?

Construction of the building structure is almost complete, but there is still work to be done to complete the installation in the first half of the year.

"At the moment, the focus is on installing all the technical installations such as electricity, pipes and ventilation systems. We have recently been connected to the district heating system and will soon be connected to the high voltage grid. We are also building the staff areas such as changing rooms, offices and meeting rooms. We'll be installing all the other machinery in the spring, as planned."

 

What comes next?

Currently, the area around the SMA extension is separated from the Cyclife Sweden protected area because it is a construction site.

"During the second quarter of 2025, we will build new physical protection around the area and connect the site to the historic site. We will then await validation of the safety dossier for the new plant by the Swedish Safety Authority (SSM), whose approval will allow us to commence operations. We are also working on the environmental permit to increase the permitted volume for the whole site from 5,000 to 10,600 tonnes per year."
 

With the extension of the Swedish facility to double its production capacity, Cyclife is further committed to the circular economy of the nuclear sector in 2025.