Robotic Manipulators to Support Decommissioning of Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant Units
Specialized robots will handle high-risk dismantling work as Russia prepares its first large-scale nuclear decommissioning project.
In 2027, preparations will begin at the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (LNPP) for the phased dismantling of two aging reactor units. This will mark the first project of this scale in Russia. According to Rosatom, the first unit is scheduled for full dismantling by 2053, with the second to follow by 2054.
To ensure maximum safety, the project will rely on a wide range of advanced technologies. One of the most complex tasks is dismantling the reactor’s graphite core. Due to high radiation levels, sending human workers into this environment would be too dangerous. Instead, the work will be carried out by specialized robotic manipulators operated remotely. The system is being designed to function reliably even under extreme conditions.
The effort is expected to establish an one of its kind area of expertise in Russia for handling nuclear decommissioning projects, with digital technologies playing a central role in enabling these operations.
