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On April 1, 2022 State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI) made final decision to issue a permit for transportation of radioactive waste to the Very low level radioactive waste repository built in Visaginas municipality and conduct tests of the repository systems using radioactive waste for the first time.

After assessment of SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant submitted documents, VATESI came to conclusion that the planned activities – transportation of radioactive waste to the repository and tests of the repository systems – comply with the nuclear, radiation and physical security requirements and employees, public and environment will be protected against radiation risks.

Stakeholders were invited to review the draft decision and permit application documents and submit their proposals as well.  VATESI evaluated and answered one stakeholders proposal received within the one month term of familiarization and submission of proposals established in the Law on Nuclear Safety.

The permit enables SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant to verify under real conditions that all equipment and repository systems comply with the technical design and nuclear safety requirements, that proper instructions and procedures are in place and staff are trained to operate the repository safely. For this purpose, SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant plans to use the waste accumulated in the radioactive waste buffer storage facility at the site of the Ignalina NPP – it will be transported to the site of the repository and disposed off in the repository. Such actions are necessary before the industrial operation of the repository and will be carried out in accordance with the VATESI approved repository commissioning program.

Radioactive waste repository is a radioactive waste management facility for emplacement of waste with no intention of retrieving it in the future. Very low radioactive waste repository can hold up to 60,000 m³ of waste. SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant plans to put waste into the repository  untill 2038, then repository will be closed. After closure active repository surveillance (radiological and environmental monitoring, physical security) should be carried out for another 30 years. Restriction on land use will remain for next 70 years.