A Geological Repository And Innovative Solutions For Lithuanian Radwaste

Lithuania signs agreements for the development of a deep geological repository, widely considered as the best option to dispose of high-level radioactive waste.

The envisaged deep repository project will be implemented as part of the Programme for the Development of the Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Facilities and Radioactive Waste Management for 2021–2030, recently approved by the Lithuanian government.

The challenge for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) is represented by the final disposal of processed radioactive bituminous waste, 14,000 cubic metres of which have been accumulated in the storage facilities.

Specialised knowledge and resources will require active international cooperation, while detailed geotechnical, geotechnical, geodetic and other studies have been already carried out to modernise the storage facility, INPP said.

Another plan currently considered is the conversion of the bituminised radioactive waste storage facility into a repository.

As yet the world has no experience in the final disposal of bituminous radioactive waste, INPP announced the investigation of innovative solutions in the framework of a project funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency (DSA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).