Temporary Energy Minister Zigmantas Vaičiūnas announced that Lithuania is set to become the first nation globally to undertake the decommissioning of RBMK-1500 type nuclear reactors. According to the minister, the dismantling process at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant represents an unprecedented undertaking that has not been executed by any other country. Vaičiūnas stated that Lithuania’s initiative will establish a valuable knowledge base for international peers facing similar challenges in the future.
“Lithuania will be the first to undertake the decommissioning of RBMK-1500 type reactors,” the report noted, emphasizing the pioneering nature of the project. The scope of the planned work is comprehensive, covering the entire project implementation cycle. This detailed plan includes the initial design for the cores dismantling, necessary regulatory licensing, the supply of specialized equipment required for the dismantling process, the physical removal of both reactor cores, and the subsequent management of radioactive waste.
This commitment positions Lithuania at the forefront of global nuclear decommissioning practices. The systematic removal and safe handling of spent reactor components are technically complex tasks, and the nation’s approach is expected to set new standards for safety and waste management in the industry. The project’s successful execution is anticipated to provide technical data and operational expertise that could assist other nations managing aging or retired nuclear facilities.
Topics: #nuclear #cores #ignalina
