Lithuania Begins Historic Dismantling of Chornobyl-Type Nuclear Reactors

• •Lithuania is the first country to dismantle RBMK-type reactors from the Ignalina plant.
• •Robots will handle the dismantling of highly radioactive reactor cores to ensure safety.
• •The dismantling process is projected to be completed by 2049, with spent fuel stored for 50 years.

Lithuania is set to become the first country to dismantle RBMK-type reactor cores at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, similar to those used in Chornobyl. The dismantling process involves removing non-radioactive components first, with robots handling the highly radioactive reactor cores. The project aims to complete dismantling by 2049, with spent fuel stored for 50 years until a deep geological repository is built by 2090. Currently, 45% of the equipment has been dismantled, and the city of Visaginas is developing plans for nuclear tourism. The plant director emphasized that scientists will determine the repository's location, not politicians. The dismantling process is expected to generate significant economic activity through recycling efforts.