IAE Performance in 2024: Record-breaking Progress in Decommissioning and Efficient Management

In 2024, the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) achieved significant results in implementing Lithuania’s important INPP decommissioning megaproject. The greatest progress was made in strengthening project management maturity. Dismantling of equipment increased by one-fifth, while radioactive waste management volumes grew by nearly one-third. Energy resource consumption and greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions were significantly reduced.

INPP CEO, Linas Baužys: 2024 marks a significant milestone in the decommissioning megaproject of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, as we have not only met but exceeded many of our strategic goals. This level of operational efficiency is unprecedented in the company’s history and has been achieved through a series of changes. These range from daily performance monitoring, strengthening workplace safety, enhancing project management maturity and building a professional team to foster employee engagement, recognition and leading by example. The high-performance indicators are the result of the entire leadership and workforce’s commitment, continuous efforts, accountability and well-targeted decisions. With these achievements, we have fulfilled the expectations set by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania as the company’s shareholder and by the company’s Board. 

According to Baužys, the key performance indicators for strategic goals demonstrate not only the successful progress of the megaproject, but also the company’s ability to efficiently manage complex processes. While many challenges lie ahead, the results achieved provide a solid foundation for continuing the work at full pace.

Mature Project Management

The goals of enhancing project management maturity at INPP reached the highest level last year due to the updated project management methodology and process descriptions, improvements in the organisational structure of project management and development of comprehensive active project management plans. In addition, there was implementation of a new digital reporting system in the Power BI environment, and a strengthening of the project management community, attracting skilled professionals, organising training sessions and introducing a new project resource management matrix. INPP currently manages a portfolio of 40 projects. 

INPP Decommissioning

In 2024, the scope of equipment dismantling significantly increased: 5,522 tonnes of equipment were dismantled (19% more than in 2023). A total of 2,536 cubic metres of historical radioactive waste were removed (29% more than in 2023), and 24 buildings were demolished (compared to a planned 21).

Since the start of the plant’s decommissioning in 2010, INPP has dismantled approximately 77,000 tonnes of equipment and structures, accounting for 44% of the total planned volume. By the end of the decommissioning process, 103,000 tonnes of equipment remain to be dismantled.

Since the beginning of dismantling operations, around 78% of dismantled equipment waste contaminated with radionuclides has been decontaminated and returned for secondary use, significantly reducing waste volumes, conserving natural resources and contributing to the sustainable implementation of circular economy principles.

Progress in Radioactive Waste Management

In 2024, the decommissioning project of the Maišiagala radioactive waste storage facility continued. The radiological survey programme for the closure project of the Maišiagala radioactive waste storage facility has been coordinated with the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (SNPSI). Last year, the removal of all radioactive waste from solid and liquid radioactive waste reservoirs was completed. Additionally, the entire primary caisson shell and caisson equipment were dismantled, and the controlled zone of the storage facility was eliminated.

Last year also saw the successful completion of the third campaign for the disposal of very low-level, short-lived radioactive waste, during which approximately 3,785 cubic metres of processed waste were transferred to the repository.

On 23 April 2024, a contract was signed with AB Panevėžio statybos trestas for the construction of a disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level, short-lived radioactive waste. The repository will be built on a 45-hectare site adjacent to other INPP radioactive waste management facilities, with reinforced concrete vaults capable of accommodating up to 100,000 cubic metres of radioactive waste.

More Efficient Resource Management

Energy consumption, compared to actual usage in 2023, decreased by 9,009 MWh and gas consumption by 5,738 MWh, resulting in total savings of 14,747 MWh. Last year, CO₂ emissions from greenhouse gases were significantly reduced by 18% (the target was set at over 10%). The most significant reductions were recorded in energy fuel – 21%, transport – 12% and heating – 14%. 

The cost of consumed energy was reduced through a comprehensive package of measures implemented by INPP. Key savings were achieved through the modernisation of ventilation systems, strategic organisational decisions and the optimisation of building engineering systems. Among the most effective initiatives were the upgrade of lighting systems to LED technology, optimisation of administrative space temperatures outside working hours, workplace reorganisation and the increased use of remote working options. A slightly warmer-than-usual winter also had a minor impact on cost reductions.

 These results illustrate not only the successful operations of INPP in 2024 but also the company’s long-term commitment to executing a strategically significant megaproject for Lithuania, while ensuring high nuclear safety standards with responsibility and efficiency.

Today, one of INPP’s key objectives is to carry out the immediate dismantling of the decommissioned nuclear power plant, ensuring that future generations are not left with an unjustified burden of radioactive waste management. The company’s mission is to create a clean environment by sustainably managing the legacy of nuclear activities. Following the final decommissioning and dismantling of the plant, plans are in place to construct a deep geological repository, which is expected to be operational until 2080. During this period, INPP aims to establish itself as an advanced next-generation nuclear environmental company and continue its successful operations in the sector.