Ukraine to build repository for products of nuclear fuel reprocessing returning from Russia

"Currently, an appropriate infrastructure is being created for the receipt of vitrified highly radioactive waste... Vitrified highly active waste from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel from Ukrainian nuclear power plants will be received from Russia only after the construction and commissioning of a storage facility for storing this type of waste in Ukraine and obtaining a license to operate this facility," the statement says.

Read alsoUkraine mulls quitting joint nuclear fuel production venture with Russia, KazakhstanThe agency also explained these waste products will be delivered to Ukraine by rail, in separate batches, over approximately 12 years.

"This is a superficial type facility that will be designed to ensure the safe storage of vitrified highly radioactive waste for its entire storage period (100 years), with appropriate protective engineering barriers, power supply systems, water supply and sanitation, ventilation, video surveillance, air purification and radiometric control,” the press service noted, adding that it will be built in the exclusion zone at the premises of Vector enterprises, where radiation control is ensured 24/7.

Read alsoEnergoatom, Westinghouse to increase nuclear power plant capacity in UkraineAccording to the agency, today the creation of a new storage facility is at the stage of documentation development.

"At present, the feasibility study and the storage project have undergone a comprehensive state expertise and received a positive conclusion from experts who confirmed high reliability of the facility and its operational safety, including for the environment and the population living nearby the Chornobyl exclusion zone," the press service said.

It is also noted that after 100 years of storage, these waste products should be buried in a special geological repository, which by that time has yet to be created.

"The total estimated cost of construction in prices as of mid-2017 is UAH 389.154 million. The financing of the construction is planned to be covered with budgetary funds," the agency said.

As UNIAN reported, as of today, the National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom sends spent nuclear fuel for processing to Russia from three stations - Rivne, Khmelnitsky and South-Ukrainian. The fuel is processed in the Russian Federation, after which the products of its processing must return to the territory of Ukraine.

Read alsoThree European energy companies want to take part in Ukraine-EU Energy Bridge projectAnnually, Energoatom spends about $200 million on spent fuel reprocessing services. In mid-July, the Verkhovna Rada passed a package of laws that allowed the renewal of targeted financing and the use of the State Radioactive Waste Management Fund. The Fund is intended to finance all infrastructure and government projects related to the processing and disposal of such waste.