The Kola-2 nuclear plant in northern Russia has been allowed by the national regulator to continue commercial operation after the completion of a life extension and modernisation programme, Russia’s state nuclear operator Rosenergoatom said in a statement.The unit was connected to the grid on 20 November after the regulator, Rostekhnadzor, issued the necessary operating permits, the statement said.Kola-2 can now operate for 15 more years until 2034. This is the second 15-year life extension for the 411-MW VVER pressurised water reactor unit, which first began commercial operation in 1975.