Successful Completion of “Hot” Trials for Reactor Channel Dismantling at Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 2

Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP), operating under the name Altra , has successfully completed the “hot” trials for the dismantling of reactor channels at the plant’s Unit 2. This marks one of the most significant milestones before the start of full-scale dismantling of more than 2,000 reactor channels. The successful completion of the hot trials also signals the transition to the active phase of dismantling the reactor equipment and structures at Unit 2.

The dismantling of reactor channels and associated equipment is one of the most technically complex stages of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning programme. In April this year, the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI) issued a licence authorising the dismantling and decontamination of equipment located in the upper (R1) and lower (R2) sections of the Unit 2 reactor channels. Following the issuance of the licence, extensive preparatory activities were carried out, including the development of detailed work plans, preparation of waste processing and remote dismantling equipment, and the finalisation of safety procedures.

One of the most important preparation stages was the hot trials. Conducted before the start of full-scale dismantling, these trials verify and confirm that all equipment is fully prepared for full-scale operations. During the trials, reactor channel dismantling and waste processing equipment was tested under real operating conditions, 28 control and protection system channels were dismantled, and the technologies to be used during one of the most challenging phases of the decommissioning project were validated. Particular attention was given to testing remotely operated equipment to minimise radiation exposure for personnel and ensure the highest standards of nuclear and radiation safety.

“Each successfully completed milestone brings us closer to our ultimate goal—the safe decommissioning of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. The hot trials have confirmed the expertise of our specialists, our technological readiness, and our ability to safely move forward with one of the most significant stages of dismantling the Unit 2 reactor,” says Jonas Kimontas, Head of the Project Management Department at Altra.

The systematic dismantling of technological channels and control and protection system channels is scheduled to begin later this summer, once all project requirements have been fulfilled and the trial results have been formally approved.

In total, more than 2,000 channels will be dismantled, including 1,661 technological channels, which housed nuclear fuel during plant operation, 235 control and protection system channels, used for reactor power regulation and nuclear safety, and 156 reflector cooling channels. Each technological channel is more than 18 metres long and weighs approximately 258 kilograms. The control and protection system channels are even larger, measuring more than 22 metres in length and weighing around 427 kilograms.

The dismantling of Unit 2 reactor equipment extends well beyond the removal of reactor channels. Following the successful completion of the hot trials, the project enters the full-scale dismantling phase of equipment in the reactor’s upper (R1) and lower (R2) sections. In addition to reactor channels, this phase includes the dismantling of graphite structures, steam-water communication systems, auxiliary pipelines, the upper and lower sections of the channel assemblies, and other related equipment.

Equivalent dismantling work on the reactor channels and associated equipment at Unit 1 has already been completed in full. The experience gained and expertise developed during that project are now being applied to the dismantling of Unit 2.