
Unit 3 of Russia’s Kursk NPP has been reconnected to the grid after 73 days following scheduled repairs and upgrading work. The repair time was reduced by two days. “Repair dates were optimised through the use of lean manufacturing tools, clear work planning and production analysis,” said Sergey Zyskin, Deputy Chief Engineer at the Kursk NPP. “Successfully completed work on the modernisation of the main elements of the reactor installation … included the replacement of 180 technological channels and 12 working channels of the control and protection system. The information output complexes were modernised.”
During the work, the equipment of the multiple forced circulation circuit, emergency cooling systems of the reactor, purge and smelting systems were repaired. Repair of turbines and generators 5&6, low pressure heaters, as well as pumps, electric motors and other equipment was also completed. Work on the main electrical equipment included the repair of transformers, cables, complete distribution devices. Refuelling involved 460 operations.
Kursk NPP hosts four RBMK-1000 reactors. Unit 1 was shut in 2021 after 45 years of operation, and unit 2 in 2024. Units 3&4 are currently due to retire by 2033 and 2035. They are being replaced by four VVER-TOI reactors at the nearby Kursk II site.