Ukraine to build a vitrified radioactive waste repository

Ukraine has announced a tender for constructing a repository for interim storage of high-level waste (HLW) that is returned from Russia after reprocessing spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

According to Prozorro, the expected cost of purchase is 3.843 billion UAH.

The tender was announced by the State Specialized Enterprise "Central Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management" (CERWM) that is under the control of the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM).

The tender provides for:

• drafting working documentation (stage "P");
• research and development;
• equipment supply and assembly.

The facility should consist of one stage without the allocation of launch complexes. The work should be completed by December 2023.

The repository will be designed to store 260 cubic meters of vitrified HLW for 100 years after reprocessing SNF of Ukrainian NPPs from VVER-440 reactors at Russian plants.

The deadline for submission of bids is set for September 13. The auction is scheduled for October 19.

Context. In March 2020, SAUEZM approved a project for constructing a repository for interim storage of high-level. But CERWM canceled the results of the tender due to the violation of legislation in the field of public procurement.