Vladimir Zhidkikh, a member of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russia

— The history of this nuclear power plant reminds once again that stake on nuclear power – it’s very serious, this is a contribution to the strategic development of the country

Vladimir Zhidkikh, , a member of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russia:

On the night of 1st – 2nd November 2009 it was commenced testing for tightness and strength of reactor temperature controlled containment of the Rostov APP. unit number 2.

In accordance with the construction schedule, a series of tests of temperature controlled containment will continue 10 days. The technical condition of the structures and systems of hermetic protection will be checked by excessive internal pressure of 4.6 kgf / sq.cm. This test is used to identify and correct if necessary latent defects of installation and it is an important measure to ensure environmental security for the territory adjacent to the plant. Earlier, on 30th October 2009 on the second power unit of the Rostov nuclear power plant it was successfully completed an important phase of check out and start up works — the “cold and hot running-in «(CHR) of the reactor plant. At this work there were attended about 500 experts from over 20 organizations. Successful completion of the phase of» hot and cold running-in «of the reactor plant, the beginning of testing of temperature controlled containment is another step that brought us closer to solving the main tasks of the year – the first criticality of the Rostov APP unit number 2», — said the head of commissioning works on the power unit No. 2 of RoAPP, deputy General Director of JSC «Atomtechenergo” Vladimir Deriy.

I believe that despite the crisis this year ends very positive. It would seem that the end of the year — a time when people are no longer waiting for good news, and at many large enterprises there are big problems. Therefore it’s especially pleasant that the facility with long years history got a second wind. Remind you that they began to build this nuclear power plant in 1979, in the 90’s of the last century the project was suspended, and in 2006 large-scale works started again.

Before Nizhny Atomenergoproect came to the object, there was two years slippage. However, the new team managed to turn the tide, and at present there is practically no slippage. Of course, there is nothing out of the way in the strict implementation of all schedules and deadlines, anyhow  — the strict observation of works commissioning plan with respect to the 2nd unit of Rostov NPP is a good example how one should work, even during the crisis.

The history of this nuclear power plant reminds once again that stake on nuclear power – it’s very serious, this is a contribution to the strategic development of the country. Upcoming first criticality of the 2nd unit of Rostov NPP is a very important event not only for Russia’s nuclear industry, but also for the country as a whole. This is the first object that will be put into operation as a part of the state program of development of nuclear generation. It is a clear demonstration of „renaissance“ of nuclear power industry in Russia after long years idle period.

Inhabitants of the Rostov region are lucky that the „nuclear renaissance“ starts in Volgodonsk.