The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. It develops, builds, and operates large-scale research facilities, and conducts research into future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation, and the fundamentals of nature. In addition, the PSI runs the Federal Collection Centre. It receives the radioactive waste from medicine, industry and research throughout Switzerland that is subject to mandatory delivery and takes care of its conditioning and interim storage.
The hot laboratory, the research reactors Saphir, Diorit and Proteus (currently undergoing decommissioning), the experimental incineration plant and the radioactive waste management facilities are all nuclear installations and as such are supervised by ENSI.
Hot laboratory
Highly radioactive substances are handled at a laboratory scale in the hot laboratory. The department comprising the Hot Laboratory and the Nuclear Materials Research Laboratory uses various macroscopic and microscopic methods to investigate irradiated materials and nuclear fuels from reactors or accelerators.
Saphir
The dismantling of the Saphir research reactor, which ceased operation in 1994, is well under way. PSI still has to provide proof that the installation is free of contamination.
Diorit
The Diorit nuclear plant ceased operations in 1977. Its dismantling recommenced in 2023 following a period of suspension after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the demolition permit of 1994, PSI has submitted its application for permission to commence phase 4 of the dismantling.
Proteus
The former research reactor Proteus was finally shut down in 2011. In 2023, PSI carried out work as part of phase 2 of the dismantling which was given the go-ahead by ENSI.
Experimental incineration plant (VVA)
PSI ceased operation of the experimental incineration plant in 2002. After successful dismantling of the combustion furnace and the three flue gas filters in earlier years, PSI began in 2023 with the disposal of the flue gas line, which had already been dismantled in the previous year.
Radioactive waste management facilities (AERA)
The PSI also operates radioactive waste management facilities (AERA). These include the Federal Government’s Interim Storage Facility (BZL), the operating building and the waste laboratory.