11 Jan (NucNet): The Leningrad 2-1 nuclear power unit under construction in western Russia is being prepared to begin operating in “minimal controlled mode” by the end of January 2018, state-owned nuclear operator Rosenergoatom said in a statement.
According to the statement, the unit is scheduled to reach first criticality as part of minimal controlled mode operation. Fuel loading was completed at Leningrad 2-1 on 17 December 2018.
Rosenergoatom said the assembly of the Leningrad 2-1 reactor unit has now been completed, the primary system is closed and sealed and the primary and secondary circuits are ready. Installation of the last remaining components such as control sensors, thermal insulation and the metal block for the electrical wiring is being finished.
Leningrad 2-1 is a Generation III+ VVER-1200/491 nuclear unit with an electrical design net power capacity of 1,085 MW. Construction of Leningrad 2-1 began in October 2008. The station is in the town of Sosnovy Bor, about 100 km west of St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland.
There are two VVER 1200 plants under construction at Leningrad with two more planned. Construction of the other unit, Leningrad 2-2, began in April 2010.
