The first concrete mixing unit is ready to start pouring concrete into the foundation of the reactor building for unit 1 of Russia’s Smolensk-II NPP, scheduled for March 2027 according to Smolensk BPP Director Ivan Sidorov.
Smolensk-II is being built 6 km away from the existing Smolensk NPP which comprises three RBMK reactors, nearing the end of their design life. The first unit was commissioned in 1982 and has had its lifetime extended until 2027. The second unit has a permit to operate until 29 May 2025 and the third until 14 December 2034. Russia’s general plan for electric power facilities until 2042 includes the first two units of the Smolensk-II NPP, which will feature VVER-TOI reactors scheduled for completion in 2032 and 2034.
Representatives of nuclear utility Rosenergoatom, general designer Atomenergoproekt (part of Rosatom’s Engineering Division and general contractor Titan-2 comprise the expanded operational headquarters.
Field geodetic work is being completed at the site. The main tasks of the general contractor include construction of temporary on-site and access roads, a transformer substation, an administrative complex, reinforcement and concrete facilities. In the near future a pit for the foundation of the unit 1 reactor compartment will be excavated in preparation for its concreting in March 2027. This will mark the transition to the main period of construction.
“On-site concrete mixing facilities makes it possible to speed up work and fully control the quality of concrete at all stages – from preparing the mixture to laying it in the foundation, noted Pavel Tkachenko, Deputy Director for the Smolensk-II construction programme at Titan-2. “Our first concrete mixing unit can produce 120 cubic metres per hour. A team has already been formed and trained: control post operators, specialists from the concrete quality control laboratory, dispensers and repairmen. During the intensive period, about 40 people will work here around the clock.”
Currently more than 200 people and 108 pieces of equipment are involved at the construction site. This year it is planned to increase the number of builders to 700 people by attracting specialists from the Smolensk region and companies from Novosibirsk, Tatarstan and Belarus.
