Westinghouse‑Led Consortium Completes Decommissioning of Two Bohunice VVER‑440 Reactors

Westinghouse‑Led Consortium Completes Decommissioning of Two Bohunice VVER‑440 Reactors

(IN BRIEF) The BIDSF decommissioning project at Bohunice NPP in Slovakia has successfully dismantled two VVER‑440 pressurized water reactors and their supporting systems under a €100 million‑plus contract led by Westinghouse and VUJE; 6,700 tonnes of radioactive structures were safely removed using cutting‑edge techniques and robotics, while 3,800 tonnes of non‑radioactive materials were cleared for reuse and 479 tonnes of secondary waste treated under strict oversight, demonstrating international cooperation, circular‑economy recycling, and strengthened European nuclear safety.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 22-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Two Soviet‑designed VVER‑440 reactors at the Bohunice Nuclear Power Plant in the Slovak Republic have been fully dismantled, marking the completion of a major decommissioning project managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) through the Bohunice International Decommissioning Support Fund (BIDSF). Financed by the European Union and other international donors, the project was executed by a consortium led by Westinghouse Electric Company in partnership with Slovak engineering specialist VUJE.

Over a budget exceeding €100 million, the team safely removed key reactor coolant system components—including steam generators, main circulation pumps, pressurisers, and reactor vessel internals—and dismantled 6,700 tonnes of radioactive and contaminated structures. Advanced dry and wet cutting methods, robotic decontamination units, and bespoke tooling ensured precise and secure operations. Additionally, 3,800 tonnes of non‑radioactive materials were processed for free release, and 479 tonnes of secondary radioactive waste underwent rigorous regulatory treatment.

Massimo Garribba, Deputy Director‑General for Energy at the European Commission, praised the project’s safety benchmarks and high recycling rates, noting its alignment with circular economy principles. Steven White, head of BIDSF at the EBRD, highlighted the essential role of international cooperation and EU support in delivering a cost‑effective, on‑time decommissioning effort that advances regional nuclear safety and environmental protection.

Media Contact:

Anton Usov
Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD