2. Infocenter
    3. News

    From October 25 to November 2, experts from the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (hereinafter: KAERI) visited the Chornobyl NPP. The purpose of their visit was to participate in tests of Korean pilot technologies for radioactive material management.

    The tests were performed using two technologies: radioactive graphite management and transuranium elements removal using selected samples. Specialists of the ChNPP Measuring Water-Radiochemical Laboratory performed the tests.

    “As a result of this cooperation project, we expect continuation of our RAW management technologies development. KAERI and ChNPP have a common interest in Units decommissioning and RAW management, so in the future we hope to continue to develop technologies and achieve their successful commercialization”, said Keunyoung Lee Project Manager of KAERI Radioactive Waste Management Program.

    The third and final stage of "hot" testing at the Industrial Complex for the Solid Radioactive Waste Management was started on October 26.

    The complex is intended for acceptance, processing and / or disposal of solid radioactive waste accumulated during Chornobyl NPP operation and those generated during the decommissioning, as well as operational radioactive waste from the Shelter object.

    "This is a very important event. The last "long-term construction" at Chornobyl NPP industrial site is finally moving towards its completion. From now we will fully work in all directions: with fuel, liquid waste, and with solid waste", — summed up the beginning of tests ChNPP Acting General Director Valery Seyda.

    According to preliminary estimates, the forecasted volume of Radioactive Waste (hereinafter: RAW) during ChNPP Units decommissioning and Shelter Object transformation into an ecologically safe system will be about 180 000 m3, which in volume is approximately equal to 70 Olympic pools. The portion of the Solid RAW is about 140 000 m3.

    Radiation safety training was held at the Chornobyl NPP industrial site and in Pripyat town from 18 to 22 October. The training is traditionally organised by ChNPP Radiation Safety Shop in close cooperation with US organisations Clean Futures Fund and Technical Resources Group Inc.

    The five-day course includes theoretical and practical parts, in particular exercises on radiation reconnaissance at Chornobyl NPP site, as well as in Pripyat and Chornobyl cities.

    The delegation consisted of 12 US specialists who are employees of US Department of Energy, US Emergency Service, as well as US (Palo Verde NPP) and UK nuclear power plants.

    According to Lucas Hixson, one of the American organizers of the training, the training and the experience obtained by the specialists from Chornobyl specialists is very valuable. The organisers are improving the training process so that participants acquire more and more new knowledge and skills.

    On 20 September, experts of the University of Bristol came again to the Chornobyl NPP site.

    The purpose of their 3-days visit to the plant is to apply robotics equipment to evaluate radiation situation under the Chornobyl Exclusion zone conditions.

    On 20-23 September, together with Chornobyl NPP staff and researchers of the Institute for NPP’s Safety Problems (Ukraine), experts of the University of Bristol are going to apply their research methods in the Main Building (“Golden Corridor”, and Reactor 4 Control Room), as well as in the space under the New Safe Confinement arch.

    As explained by David Megson-Smith, one of the researchers of the University of Bristol, their team has worked a lot with the nuclear organizations in the United Kingdom but hasn’t ever worked in the environment as difficult as here at the ChNPP, which makes this site a unique platform for applying their R&D products.

    On the 11th of August 2021, a meeting of the SNRIU’s Licensing Commission was held to consider ChNPP’s application for a license to carry out activities relating to processing and storage of radioactive waste. Based upon the results of the meeting, the Commission has recommended awarding the Chornobyl NPP with a license for the right to perform this type of activity.

    The decision upon issuing the license is to be made by the SNRIU Chairperson – Chief State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine, with account taken of:

    - The state expert review of nuclear and radiation safety of the package of documents, the major one being the “Safety Analysis Report for NSC-OS Operation” (NSC-OS SAR);

    - The results of the inspection which has been carried out to verify the completeness and accuracy of the information contained in the submitted documents, as well as the ability of the applicant (SSE Chornobyl NPP) to carry out this type of activity;

    - Compliance with the resolution of the SNRIU Board of July 29th, 2021;

    - Implementation of the SNRIU Licensing Commission’s recommendations.

    1. Rivne NPP delegation visited ChNPP
    2. SESAM 2021 Poliklinika visited ChNPP
    3. The first module of ISF-2 is filled!
    4. Milestone on the way toward NSC operation

    Page 29 of 120