— All they do at Rostov NPP now shows the efficient performance of Rosatom. When we started completion of the second power-generating unit, we were about 2 years behind the schedule.

The physical start-up of the second power-generating unit at Volgodonsk NPP in the Rostov Region is scheduled for December current year. The physical start-up will take place in case of successful tests of all engineering systems and subject to relevant permits of Rostechnadzor.

Valeriy Limarenko, Director General of Atomenergoproject Nizhegorodsk Engineering Company, JSC (NIAEP):

On the night of October, the 9th/10th power-generating unit #2 at Rostov NPP entered the “hot stage» of the “cold and hot trial run” of the reactor facility. This remarkable event shows that the unit construction has entered its final stage. In case of successful testing of all engineering systems, the equipment will be inspected and the physical start-up will be initiated. The physical start-up is scheduled for December 20, 2009.

It shall not be considered as a start of a full-scale operation of the power-generating unit and the power supply to the national power grid. However, after the fuel has been loaded, the reactor is not a simple mechanical item any more, but a full-cycle power-generating unit, which is transferred to the operating mode under the supervision of a nuclear power plant. The builders and installers will keep their works at the other facilities of the start-up complex and supporting systems. As soon as the reactor attains its first criticality, the unit will be start-up to generate the power according to the schedule of its commissioning.

The stage of a cold and hot trial run is essential, because at this time the primary equipment is checked for compliance with the operating and safety requirements. Safety is a key factor in NPP construction. Although it is very important for the atomic industry and the whole country to adhere to the scheduled dates of commissioning of the power-generating unit, it will not be launched until all safety requirements are met in terms of the quality of constructions and installations, and in terms of the equipment reliability. For the most part the equipment, including a reactor vessel, pumps and other items, was manufactured quite a few years ago, and was kept in dead storage. All pieces of machinery are subject to special verification and tests before their installation. The calculation results are used by the competent authorities to make a resolution about the equipment compliance and possibility of its further use at NPP. If the test results give the slightest reason to believe the equipment may be faulty in any way, the facility will not be started-up until any relevant corrections are made either by additional adjustments or through complete replacement of such items.

To this day, the majority of tests have been completed (hydro-tests, containment pressure tests and etc.). As a result, no defects were found in the equipment installed, the installation quality was confirmed. It gives us hope that the works will be completed by the dates set up.

All they do at Rostov NPP now shows the efficient performance of Rosatom. When we started completion of the second power-generating unit, we were about 2 years behind the schedule. Now the works are in full compliance with the construction schedule. The program of NPP construction in Russia has been successfully implemented. In the period of two years the launch of the 4th power-generating unit is expected at Kalinin NPP. Construction of the 3d power-generating unit was started at Rostov NPP. The new power-generating units at Leningrad and Novovoronezh NPPs are being erected at the full speed. Negotiations are underway in terms of the NPP’s construction abroad. In spite of any hardships many industries now have to face due to the global economy crisis, Rosatom Corporation steadily implements the programs for the atomic industry development it has envisaged, providing the work orders for the machine-building enterprises.