Lithuania’s Ignalina NPP (INPP) on 5 May began dismantling damaged nuclear fuel from the unit 2 reactor ahead of schedule. The first two of 189 used fuel assemblies remaining in the reactor were cut. The damaged fuel from unit 1 has already been processed, and in the near future the container with the last of that damaged fuel will be transported for storage to the temporary used nuclear fuel storage facility. During the work on handling damaged fuel at unit 1, a damaged fuel handling system (DFTS) was used that meets all the requirements of design and nuclear safety, INPP said. This equipment will also be used to carry out similar work at unit 2. At present, at unit 1, work has begun to dismantle and decontaminate the equipment, before transporting and installing it at unit 2. The work to process the damaged fuel at unit 2 is scheduled to be completed in early October 2022.
INPP said the total number of damaged fuel assemblies stored at both units is relatively small, accounting for only 1.7% of the total. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure nuclear and radiation safety, and protection of personnel, the population and the environment.
