Map of RBMK Reactors
Reaktor Bolshoy Moshchnosti Kanalny (RBMK) reactors are a type of nuclear reactor designed and used primarily in the former Soviet Union. They are known for their unique graphite-moderated, water-cooled design, which allows for the use of natural uranium as fuel. RBMK reactors can be refueled without shutting down, enhancing their operational efficiency. However, they have been criticized for safety issues, most notably highlighted by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The design’s positive void coefficient, combined with other flaws, contributed to the catastrophic accident. Despite these concerns, several RBMK reactors continue to operate with improved safety measures in place. Find out where all RBMK reactor sites are located, and what goes on at each of them, on our interactive map of RBMK reactors.
Quick Guide to using the Map of RBMK Reactors
MAP – Click and drag to move the map around. Hold Ctrl and use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out. Alternatively use the zoom buttons in the top right corner.
POINTS – Points are coloured based on the status of the nuclear site.
COUNTER – The counter in the top left displays the number of nuclear sites under each status. Clicking on a specific counter lets you see only sites that fall within that category.
POPUPS – Hovering over a specific point on the map will show you a popup containing additional information about the site.
Data
Below is the full data set used to create the RBMK Reactors Map. You can use it to look up specific nuclear sites.
| Name | Country | Type | Number | Latitude | Longitude | Status | First Reactor Online | Last Reactor Shut-Down | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chernobyl | Ukraine | RBMK-1000 | 6 | 51.3894° N | 30.0992° E | Shut Down | 1977 | 2000 | 4x RBMK-1000 shut-down, 2x RBMK-1000 cancelled while under construction |
| Ignalina | Lithuania | RBMK-1500 / RBMK-2400 | 4 | 55.6044° N | 26.5600° E | Shut Down | 1983 | 2009 | 2x RBMK-1500 shut-down, 1x RBMK-2400 cancelled while under construction, 1x RBMK-2400 plan cancelled |
| Kostroma | Russia | RBMK-2400 | 2 | 58.3747 | 41.5922 | Cancelled | / | / | 2x RBMK-2400 cancelled while under construction |
| Kursk | Russia | RBMK-1000 | 6 | 51.675000 N | 35.605556 E | Operational | 1977 | / | 2x RBMK-1000 shut-down, 2x RBMK-1000 operational, 2x RBMK-1000 cancelled while under construction |
| Leningrad | Russia | RBMK-1000 | 4 | 59.847222 N | 29.043611 E | Operational | 1974 | / | 2xRBMK-1000 shut-down, 2x RBMK-1000 operational |
| Smolensk | Russia | RBMK-1000 | 4 | 54.1692° N | 33.2467° E | Operational | 1983 | / | 3x RBMK-1000 operational, 1x RBMK-1000 cancelled while under construction |
