Sweco will assess the environmental risks associated with a proposed deep geological repository (DGR) for the final disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. The move is part of a decommissioning process that is expected to extend over several decades.
The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which was officially closed in 2009 as part of an agreement with the European Union, is undergoing decommissioning that involves dismantling reactors, managing radioactive waste and ensuring the safe restoration of the site.
As part of this project, Sweco will evaluate the potential impacts on soil, geological layers, groundwater, air quality and biodiversity across 77 candidate repository sites throughout Lithuania. The aim is to ascertain viable solutions that protect the environment, engage the public in the decision-making process, and safely dispose of, isolate, and store radioactive waste for thousands of years. The project, valued at €448,000, commenced in December 2024 and is scheduled to last for one year.
“This initiative holds significant importance not only for the current residents of Lithuania but also for future generations. A team of Sweco experts will leverage local knowledge alongside Sweco Group’s extensive international experience in nuclear projects and support Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant with identifying the optimal solution for the final storage of nuclear waste,” said Liudas Zalunskis (pictured), managing director at Sweco in Lithuania.