Lithuania's is preparing to dismantle the RBMK-type reactor cores of the Ignalina nuclear plant – the same ones as in the Chornobyl plant. No one has yet done it.
The plant's second unit housed RBMK reactors that were among the most powerful in the world. Plant employees are currently dismantling everything that can be safely removed without highly specialised expertise.
The reactor core will be dismantled by robots equipped with what plant officials describe as cutting-edge technology. Work on equipment with such high levels of radioactivity is not normally carried out by humans.The reactor's graphite components are expected to be dismantled by specialists from international companies, most likely from the United States or France."This will be the most complicated task. But we will be the first in the world to have done it," said plant director Linas Baužys.There is still a long way to go before that stage is reached. For now, visitors can still tour the reactor facilities.
"Everything is fully booked several weeks in advance," said Milda Kiškytė, as she guided visitors through the power plant, which is gradually being dismantled and cut apart.Meanwhile, the city of Visaginas is developing plans to position itself as a centre for nuclear tourism, as ordinary visitors bring only limited economic benefits to the plant itself. The aim is to attract specialists and enthusiasts interested in nuclear energy.
