The Novovoronezh 2-1 nuclear plant in western Russia.

28 Feb (NucNet): Russia’s first Generation-III+ nuclear unit at Novovoronezh 2-1 in western Russia began commercial operation on 27 February 2017, Russian nuclear power operator Rosenergoatom said.

The 1,114-MW pressurised water reactor unit of the VVER 1200/392M design was connected to the national grid on 5 August 2016. Since then, operators have been gradually increasing the reactor’s power levels as part of the operational testing phase. Full power was reached in October 2016.

Before issuing the licence for commercial operation, Russia’s nuclear regulator Rostechnadzor carried out a series of tests confirming the unit’s compliance with the national regulatory framework, Rosenergoatom said. The tests were completed on 23 February 2017 after 15 days of operation at 100% power.

According to Rosenegoatom, Novovoronezh 2-1 is the world’s first Generation-III+ to begin commercial operation. Construction of Novovoronezh 2-1 began in June 2008. A second VVER 1200, Novovoronezh 2-2, has been under construction at the site since July 2009.

The original Novovoronezh site hosts five older VVER reactors – two in commercial operation and three in permanent shutdown.