Deactivation in centralized pools

The spent Fuel Assemblies (FA) must be placed in interim storage prior to their processing in order to reduce their power and radioactivity.
They remain in this way in centralized pool in the reprocessing plant for 5 to 7 years on average, under 9 meters of water.
Underwater interim storage allows the fuel to be contained and cooled, while absorbing radiation and controlling the degradation of fuel assemblies with a view to their subsequent processing.