Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant

Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant was a Soviet-designed facility powered by two RBMK-1500 reactors—the world’s most powerful graphite‑moderated units. Built between 1978 and 1987 and formally shut down in 2009, it once supplied up to 70% of Lithuania’s electricity and supported regional exports. The reactors bear close technical resemblance to Chernobyl’s design, prompting Lithuania’s EU accession agreement to include decommissioning. Its infrastructure included dual turbine halls, a large cooling system drawing from Lake Drūkšiai, and expansive auxiliary systems. Today, Ignalina is the subject of a multi‑decade dismantling process and environmental remediation project, financed by the European Union. Engineers contend with reactor internals removal, contaminated water management, and preparing long‑term radioactive waste storage. The site continues to offer insight into large-scale nuclear engineering, highlighting both the capabilities and lifecycle of Soviet-era nuclear power.

Ignalina now offers carefully managed public visits through weekday guided “Explorative Expeditions” available in Lithuanian, English, or Russian. Expeditions run on Thursdays and Fridays, limited to 15 adults (18+), and last up to a full working day (~9:00–17:00). Participants wear protective coveralls, helmets, and are escorted through the reactor hall, turbine hall, control room, spent-fuel pool, and interim spent-fuel storage facility. The cost is approximately €85 per person, with free participation for students, educators, and media. Registration opens annually in late autumn; spots fill rapidly. A separate free-of-charge Visitor Information Centre, open weekdays 8:00–16:00, provides an overview of plant history and decommissioning stages. Those unable to visit on site can virtually explore the plant via an accessible online tour launched in 2023. Due to active decommissioning, some areas (like the reactor hall) may be closed after mid‑2024; seasonal updates should be checked ahead of scheduling.