The first batch of nuclear fuel assemblies has been delivered to Kursk II, a new nuclear power plant located in western Russia.
The delivery marks a significant milestone in the construction of the plant, which is expected to begin operating later this year.
VVER-TOI Reactors: Cutting-Edge Design
Kursk II will house two VVER-TOI reactors, the latest iteration of Russia’s large light-water reactor designs. These reactors boast upgraded pressure vessels and a higher power rating of 3300 MWt, enabling them to generate 1300 MWe gross, representing a significant advancement in nuclear power generation technology.
Construction of the first unit commenced in 2018, with the installation of the polar crane in October 2021 and the reactor vessel in June 2022.
The outer dome of the first unit was completed in August 2023. Following the fuel delivery, the plant is set to undergo cold and hot testing in preparation for the physical start-up stage.
Readiness for Physical Start-Up
Alexander Uvakin, director of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, highlighted the significance of the fuel delivery, stating, “The delivery of fuel shows that the VVER-TOI project has reached a key stage of construction and demonstrates a high degree of readiness of the first power unit.”
The six fuel assemblies were transported to the site via specialized rail transport, a momentous occasion in the construction of any nuclear power plant. Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, emphasized that the TVS VVER-TOI nuclear fuel was developed based on the fuel used in VVER-1000 and VVER-1200 reactors.
The innovative design of the fuel cassettes offers increased fuel loading, enhanced thermal reliability, and more effective control of the reactor core, ultimately improving the plant’s technical and economic performance.
Replacement for Aging Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
All four units at the existing Kursk nuclear power plant are scheduled to be decommissioned by 2031. The first unit was already shut down in December 2021 after 45 years of operation, exceeding its original design life of 30 years, which was extended through life extension programs. Kursk II is poised to replace the aging infrastructure and continue providing reliable electricity to the region.