Analysis of radionuclide release through EBS of conceptual repository for Lithuanian RBMK spent nuclear fuel disposal – case of canister with initial defect

At the Ignalina nuclear power plant (NPP), app. 22 thousands of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) assemblies from the RBMK-1500 type reactor have been accumulated [15]. During the operation of Ignalina NPP, the assemblies of SNF were stored in water pools and in storage containers, located in the interim storage facilities. According to revised Lithuanian Strategy for Management of Radioactive Waste [20] approved by the Lithuanian Government, it is planned to store the assemblies with SNF in the interim storage facilities for about 50–100 years until the decision on its final disposal option is made. There is a broad international consensus that the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel is not acceptable as a sole solution, but it is only a part of integrated and long term solution for management of this type of radioactive waste. As the time-frame for the decrease of the SNF radiotoxicity comprises hundreds of thousand years, its management solution has to be projected far in the future. Disposal in geological formations has been identified as the most proper option available for SNF and other high level waste today. As the technology development for transmutation/partitioning may not be available in the near future, it is necessary to proceed with the research regarding the geological disposal. As a member of the European Union, Lithuania must develop a comprehensive and integrated programme for the investigation and implementation of national Analysis of radionuclide release through EBS of conceptual repository for Lithuanian RBMK spent nuclear fuel disposal – case of canister with initial defect Povilas Poskas, Asta Narkuniene, Dalia Grigaliuniene, Raimondas Kilda