Workshop on "Solution of the problem issues connected to Chernobyl NPP reactors preservation" was held in Slavutich since October 30 till November 1, 2012 within the framework of the IAEA technical cooperation.

According to preliminary assessment the stage of Chernobyl NPP final shutdown and preservation will start in 2014 and will be implemented within 10 years (until 2024). The main purpose of this stage is to put the reactors in the state, excluding their use for electricity generation, as well as ensure safe storage of radioactive substances and presented in them ionizing radiation sources.

At present time ChNPP is close to completion of the document "Design of Chernobyl Units final shutdown and preservation (FSP)". This design will be the basic document for permission obtaining to start decommissioning work at Chernobyl at the first stage. One of the main design documents is the design of reactors preservation. It should be developed for all three Chernobyl power units simultaneously, as they have a similar construction and are approximately at the same stage of decommissioning.

Today in Ukraine there are no regulatory requirements to the design documentation for nuclear facilities preservation. That is why on the initiative of Chernobyl NPP IAEA organized the workshop to study best international practice in decommissioned facilities preservation. Sharing of experience will allow identify weaknesses or deficiencies in the design of the final shutdown and preservation of Chernobyl units, to minimize them or to provide compensatory measures at the early stage.

Specialists from UK, Italy, France and IAEA were invited as the experts. Besides ChNPP specialists representatives from Exclusion zone enterprises and SNRIU also took part in this workshop.