Lithuania is preparing to dismantle the cores of RBMK-type reactors at the Ignalina nuclear power plant – the same as at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. LRT reported this on June 14.
The Lithuanian broadcaster notes that this is the first time in the world that they have decided to do this.
At the second power unit of the station, RBMK reactors were installed, which were considered one of the most powerful in the world. Now station employees are dismantling everything that can be safely removed without the involvement of highly specialized experts.
In general, 45% of the equipment has already been dismantled.
According to the station management, the dismantling of the reactor core will be carried out by robots equipped with advanced technologies. The media explains that people usually do not work with equipment that has such a high level of radioactivity.
The biggest challenge will be the graphite components of the reactor. It is planned that their dismantling will be carried out by specialists from international companies, most likely from the USA or France.
The dismantling process is expected to be completed by 2049.
“The important thing is that we removed all the fuel from the reactors and placed it in storage for 50 years. During this period, the state must build a deep geological repository where all spent fuel will be finally disposed of by 2090,” said plant director Linas Bauzis.
