Unit 2 of Russia’s Novovoronezh-II NPP (also known as Novovoronezh 7), a Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactor, passed the final acceptance tests on16 September and is ready for commissioning.
The 15-day comprehensive testing of equipment was carried out with the unit operating at 100%. Novovoronezh plant director Vladimir Povarov said the tests were completed on schedule and showed safe and reliable operation of all equipment and systems. The unit will be checked by the Acceptance Commission and regulator Rostekhnadzor before state nuclear power corporation Rosatom issues the final operating permit.
Putting Novovoronezh II-2 into operation will increase the total capacity of Novovoronezh station by 1.5 times, give a powerful boost to the development of the economy of the Voronezh region.
The general designer of Novovoronezh II-2 is Atomenergoproekt and the general contractor is the ASE, both Rosatom subsidiaries. Construction of Novovoronezh II-2 began in July 2009 and it was brought to the minimum controlled power level in March. It was first connected to the grid on 1 May and started pilot operation in June, with commercial operation scheduled for the end of this year. It will be the third VVER-1200 to be completed in Russia. Novovoronezh II-1 began commercial operation in February 2017, and Leningrad II-1 in October 2018.
Novovoronezh was the first nuclear plant in Russia to host VVER-type reactors. There are currently four units in operation at the site.
