The first unit at Rusia’s Kursk-II NPP has been connected to the grid. It is the first nuclear unit with the new VVER-TOI reactor. The launch of the unit was postponed by a few months to December 2025. The project had been delayed by incursion and occupation of parts of Kursk oblast by Ukrainian forces in 2024.
Kursk-II will replace the currently operating Kursk NPP, which comprises four ageing RBMK reactors (two of which are now closed) with four new units comprising Generation 3+ VVER-TOI reactors. Unit 2 is expected to begin operation in 2027 and the construction and commissioning of units 3&4 are planned for 2042.
The VVER-TOI (water-cooled power reactor – standard optimised informatised) has improved technical and economic indicators: compared with previous generation VVER-1000 reactor. The capacity is increased by 25%, to 1250 MWe. The service life of the main equipment is doubled. The project involves the use of a combination of passive and active safety systems.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev noted: “The Kursk region was constantly front-page news last year and the news was mostly alarming. The operation of the existing Kursk NPP and the construction of the new power units took place face of constant provocations and direct attacks from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Nevertheless, at the end of the year, the first unit of Kursk-II has been included in the country’s energy system.”
He added that the VVER-TOI not only incorporates the latest advances in nuclear energy but is also the most powerful power unit in Rosatom’s fleet at 1250 MWe, which is 50 MWe more than the previous record holders – the VVER-1200 units at the Leningrad-II NPP.
Rosatom’s First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy and ASE Andrey Petrov said: “Despite external threats, each specialist successfully completed his work, realising his responsibility to the team and to the country. The new power unit will increase the production of nuclear electricity by more than 50% for the needs of the Kursk region.”
The first connection of the generator to the network was made by the shift manager of the electrical shop, Valery Yakushev. “Our power unit finally found its purpose and began generating electricity. Considering that it can work until for 100 years, being involved in this event is a great honour for me.”
The power capacity will be gradually increased to 35-40% and then to 100%. “The commissioning of the power unit is going according to plan. Currently, comprehensive testing is underway, to achieve the required level of power – equipment and systems must function efficiently, reliably and safely, in line with the requirements of the technological regulations,” noted Alexander Shutikov, General Director of nuclear utility Rosenergoatom. The process will be monitored by regulator Rostechnadzor. The unit is expected to begin commercial operation in 2026.
