5 Aug (NucNet): Russia’s first Generation-III+ nuclear unit at Novovoronezh 2-1 in Voronezh oblast, western Russia, was today connected to the grid and produced electricity for the first time, state nuclear corporation Rosatom said in a statement.
Novovoronezh 2-1 is a Generation-III+ VVER 1200/392M pressurised water reactor unit with a design net capacity of 1,114 MW.
Rosatom said it was the first Generation III+ nuclear power unit to produce electricity.
Novovoronezh 2-1 is the first of two units at the Novovoronezh 2 nuclear station, which is the lead project for the deployment of the AES-2006 design incorporating a Gidropress-designed PWR, an evolutionary development from the VVER-1000.
Construction of Novovoronezh 2-1 and 2-2, also known as Novovoronezh units 6 and 7, began in June 2008 and July 2009 respectively. The original Novovoronezh site nearby already hosts three commercially operating reactors and two that are being decommissioned.
Valery Limarenko, president of Rosatom’s nuclear engineering subsidiary NIAEP, said Rosatom is the world’s largest supplier of nuclear power plants and with the start of operation at Novovoronezh 2-1 it has made its positions stronger. “This opens new opportunities for building up our presence in the global market,” he said.
Generation III and III+ reactors incorporate evolutionary improvements in design developed during the lifetime of the Generation II reactor designs, including improved fuel technology, superior thermal efficiency, passive safety systems and standardised design for reduced maintenance and capital costs.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Russia has 35 nuclear reactors in commercial operation and eight under construction.
