Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Project of nuclear waste repository is developed in Belarus

BelarusFeed via TUT.BY, BelTA

Project of nuclear waste repository is developed in Belarus
The project to store radioactive waste (except high-level radioactive waste) generated in the course of operation and decommissioning of the Belarusian NPP is in the blueprint phase.

“In order to secure safe storage and isolation of radioactive waste, a set of recommendations on the improvement of methods and technological schemes for their processing has been developed,” the ministry said.

Proposals for reprocessing nuclear waste and its temporary storage on the territory of the NPP with subsequent burial have also been designed.

In addition, specialists are carrying out the research necessary for the construction of the repository. Recommendations for the creation of a system of protective barriers to ensure the safe nuclear waste disposal have been made.

“Radioactive waste will be stored in a special building on the territory of the plant. The project envisages the storage of radioactive waste for 10 years and even more.

After the stipulated period, there are two options: either to expand the capabilities of the repository, or to transport the waste to a special storage facility,” chief engineer of the construction of the nuclear power plant told the Lithuanian side in 2013.

As for the spent nuclear fuel, it will be transported back to Russia, deputy chief engineer for the training of personnel of the Belarusian NPP said in April this year.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is being built 18km away from Astravets in Grodno region and 50km away from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

The commissioning of the first power-generating unit is scheduled for 2019, of the second one – in 2020.