INPP launches a tender for the construction of a repository for low- and intermediate-level short-lived radioactive waste

On 24 October this year, the State Enterprise Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) re-issued a tender for the construction of a surface disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level short-lived radioactive waste and for the design, construction, and connection of external storm sewerage networks to the infrastructure (Project B25-2).

The re-tendering shall take place after assessing the conditions of the previous tender, changes in market prices and revision of the procurement budget. The deadline for submission of proposals is 3 February 2023.

The disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level short-lived radioactive waste will consist of three reinforced concrete modules capable of holding up to 100 000 cubic metres of final radioactive waste packages (concrete containers with concrete-lined radioactive waste).

The waste will be placed in the repository throughout the decommissioning of the INPP until 2038. The scope of this procurement will include the construction of the entire repository infrastructure and two of the three planned basement modules, with allowed placement of approximately 70 000 m3 of radioactive waste packages. A third cellar module will be built in the future if required.

The repository is planned to be filled with waste by 2038, followed by an active phase of institutional maintenance (physical protection of the repository, environmental monitoring) lasting at least 100 years. At the end of this phase, economic activities will have to be restricted for another 200 years. The repository will be located on the Stabatiškės site of the Visaginas Municipality, close to other INPP radioactive waste management facilities.

" Although an RBMK-type nuclear power plant is being dismantled for the first time in history, the B25 project is not the first of its kind in the world. Similar repositories are currently being built and operated in European nuclear states and around the world. We therefore invite the prospective repository contractor not only to successfully implement a long-term contract of more than 4 years, but also to add to its professional experience in implementing high-level technical design solutions. I strongly encourage and invite you to contribute to this unique project in Lithuania, the successful outcome of which will contribute to the safe management of the INPP's radioactive waste without leaving it for future generations," said Audrius Kamienas, Director General of INPP.  

Project B25-2 is funded by the EU Ignalina Programme.

Link to the procurement: https://cvpp.eviesiejipirkimai.lt/Notice/Details/2022-653844

Associated photo used for article title (Centre De L'Aube(CSA) storage center in France)