“Altra” Announces Prequalification for the Procurement of Reactor Dismantling Services at Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant 

Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, operating under the name “Altra”, announces that on February 19 a prequalification process was launched for the procurement of reactor dismantling services at the nuclear power plant. Companies that successfully pass the prequalification stage will be invited to participate in the next stage and submit proposals for a dismantling contract with an estimated value of approximately EUR 400 million. Applications must be submitted through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) electronic procurement system by April 2. 

The decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant includes an unprecedented project – the dismantling of two uniquely designed RBMK-1500 reactors. This represents the most significant and technically complex stage of the entire decommissioning programme, requiring the highest level of engineering expertise and international experience. 

The reactor dismantling works are divided into three zones – R1, R2 and R3. The dismantling of R1 and R2 zones, which cover the upper and lower parts of the reactors, is being carried out by the company’s own personnel. 

The R3 zones represent the central parts of the reactors and are located within reinforced concrete shafts measuring approximately 21×21 metres in cross-section and 25 metres in height. They include the reactor cores – the graphite stacks and surrounding metal structures with various fill materials (sand, serpentinite, gravel, crushed stone, steel shot). These zones contain the majority of the plant’s highest-activity radioactive materials. In total, around 25,500 tonnes of materials will be dismantled across both reactors. To ensure safe execution of the works, the dismantling process will be carried out using remotely operated equipment. 

The R3 zone dismantling project covers the design of reactor core dismantling and associated structures, manufacturing and supply of specialised equipment, execution of dismantling works, and management of the resulting radioactive waste. The estimated contract value is approximately EUR 400 million. Due to the technological complexity of the project, international partners with relevant experience are invited to participate in the R3 zone works. 

Procurement Procedure 

The procurement process begins with a prequalification stage. Suppliers that successfully pass this stage will participate in a two-stage tender procedure: 

• Stage I – submission of technical proposals 

• Stage II – submission of revised technical and financial proposals 

The contract with the selected contractor will be based on the internationally recognised FIDIC Yellow Book contract model, under which the contractor assumes responsibility for design, equipment supply and execution of the works. 

The procurement procedure is planned to be completed in 2027. Suppliers that pass the prequalification stage are expected to be invited by June to submit technical proposals in Stage I of the tender. 

Scope of the Project 

The future contractor is expected to: 

• Prepare all design and technical documentation required under Lithuanian legislation for reactor dismantling, including licensing documentation; 

• Manufacture and deliver the equipment required for dismantling the R3 zone of the reactor and for the management of resulting waste; 

• Perform the dismantling works related to the R3 zones of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant reactors (short-lived waste management will be carried out by plant personnel). 

Prequalification Process 

• The prequalification is conducted through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) electronic procurement platform ECEPP and in accordance with EBRD rules and procedures. 

• All eligible companies, joint ventures and consortia meeting EBRD requirements are invited to participate. 

• Companies are invited to register in the ECEPP system and submit documentation under the terms and deadlines specified therein. 

• The prequalification process is conducted in accordance with the EBRD Procurement Policies and Rules.

• Detailed information and the invitation to participate are available on the ECEPP platform, here.