Sweco to provide advisory services on final nuclear waste disposal in Lithuania

The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania has appointed Sweco to assess the environmental risks of a proposed deep geological repository (DGR) designed for the permanent disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. This assessment is a vital part of the complex and protracted decommissioning process of the plant, which is expected to span several decades.

The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which ceased operations in 2009 under an agreement with the European Union, is in the midst of decommissioning efforts. These include dismantling reactors, managing radioactive materials, and ensuring the site's safe restoration.

Sweco's role in this project involves evaluating the potential environmental impacts on soil, geological formations, groundwater, air quality, and biodiversity across 77 potential repository sites in Lithuania. The goal is to identify sustainable solutions that safeguard the environment, involve public participation in the decision-making process, and ensure the safe, long-term storage and isolation of radioactive waste. This project, valued at €448,000, began in December 2024 and is set to conclude in one year.

Liudas Zalunskis, Managing Director of Sweco Lithuania, commented, “We are honoured to be selected for this critical advisory role. This initiative is of profound importance not only for Lithuania’s current population but also for future generations. Our team will combine local expertise with Sweco Group’s broad international experience in nuclear projects to help Ignalina identify the best approach for final nuclear waste storage.”

With a wealth of experience in nuclear projects worldwide, including in Sweden, Belgium, and Finland, Sweco has extensive knowledge in constructing new nuclear facilities, maintaining existing ones, decommissioning aging plants, and managing nuclear waste. However, it is important to note that Sweco does not provide services related to the core or hot zones of nuclear reactors.