In northeastern Lithuania, the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant is undergoing decommissioning, the world's first such project involving RBMK nuclear power reactors. Before it joined the European Union in 2004, Lithuania agreed to the early shutdown of the two reactors, which were closed in 2004 and 2009, respectively. The European Commission has provided significant financial assistance for the project, complemented by Lithuanian national co-financing.
Narrated by an IAEA decommissioning specialist, this video highlights the ongoing work at Ignalina, including in the reactor hall, the spent fuel pool and the turbine building, where parts are dismantled and, when necessary, decontaminated before being stored or released. Also featured is work being carried out in the new free release measurement facility, the interim fuel storage facility and the solid waste management and storage facility - all of which were purpose-built for the project.
The experience at Ignalina, due to be completed in 2038, is expected to offer valuable lessons as the international community prepares to decommission scores of nuclear power plant reactors that have reached the end of their operating lifetime or will do so in the coming years.
