Russian nuclear utility Rosenergoatom has informed the Unified Energy System of Russia that the commissioning of unit 1 at the Kursk-II NPP will be postponed until next year. In addition, Rosatom plans to extend the service life of unit 3 of the Kursk NPP beyond 2031.
In September, Rosatom said it planned to obtain permission to commission unit 1 of the Kursk-II NPP by the end of 2025. Elena Ilyina, Director for State Support at Rosenergoatom noted: “The Kursk station is probably one of the key projects for us now, because it is in the highest degree of readiness. Four control points have already been reached, and by the end of this year we expect to receive permission to put unit 1 into pilot operation.” She added that Kursk-II unit 2 should be completed in 2027.
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. Units 1&2 are currently under construction. The construction and commissioning of units 3&4 are planned for 2042. Units 1&2 will be the first VVER-TOI reactors to begin operation.
