The flagship project of the METR company
Decommissioning of the BN-350
reactor plant
reactor plant
Based on economic conditions in the Republic of Kazakhstan at the time of the decision, as well as scientific research and IAEA recommendations, the "Deferred Dismantling" decommissioning concept was chosen for the BN-350 reactor plant.
Given the unique nature of the facility, its potential hazard, and the technological complexity of the work, the "Basic Provisions of the BN-350 Reactor Plant Decommissioning Project" were developed and approved by Order No. 200 of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated October 9, 2003.
On April 22, 1999, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted
Resolution No. 456 on the decommissioning
of the BN-350 reactor plant in three stages (the "Deferred Dismantling" concept).
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Stage 1
Bringing the BN-350 reactor into a safe storage condition
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Stage 2
Safe long-term storage for 50 years
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Stage 3
Partial or complete dismantling of equipment, buildings, structures and disposal of radioactive waste
In accordance with the adopted Basic Provisions for the Decommissioning
of the BN-350 Reactor Plant,
all stages of work were divided into five construction phases.
In accordance with the adopted Basic Provisions for the Decommissioning
of the BN-350 Reactor Plant,
all stages of work were divided into five construction phases.
From 2002 to 2011, METR, as the general designer, developed designs and working documentation for construction phases 3, 4 and 5 (Stages 2 and 3): Technological processes for conditioning and removing radioactive waste of varying activity, dismantling technologies, and the preparation of buildings and structures for long-term safe storage (50 years).
- First stageSpent Nuclear Fuel Management - Construction phase completed
in 1999. Nuclear fuel was drained and transported to the Kurchatovs Polygon.01 - Second stage
Handling sodium (sodium-potassium) heat transfer fluid. Technology for processing into geocement stone (UPGTSK). Solutions are ready and have passed state project review.
02 - Third stageConstruction of a storage facility for the processing of solid radioactive waste (SRW) and radioactive soil.
Construction of a liquid inorganic radioactive waste (LIRW) processing facility for the BN-350 reactor: launch complexes:
PSK 1, PSK 2.03 - Fourth stageSolid Radioactive Waste Treatment Complex. Solid Radioactive Waste Treatment.04
- Fifth stagePreparing buildings and structures for long-term safe storage (up to 50 years). Dismantling technologies.05
Feasibility Study for "Decommissioning of the BN-350 Reactor"
In 2022, at the request of the Republic of Kazakhstan, METR developed and successfully defended a comprehensive
Feasibility Study for the "Decommissioning
of the BN-350 Reactor," which included all four previously developed construction phases.
The project cost 115 billion tenge (- $250 million).
The feasibility study is recognized as unique, having no global analogues in terms of complexity and economic efficincy.
Reducing capital expenditures
Versatility
Today, this invaluable experience forms the basis for METR's universal standard solutions for any type of nuclear power plant worldwide.
Lada Yakubovich, METR
The developed feasibility study for the "Decommissioning of the BN-350 Reactor Unit" has no analogues worldwide.