Moscow, Jan 09: “The Kursk region has been front-page news this past year. The news was largely alarming. Operation of the existing Kursk Nuclear Power Plant and construction of new power units occurred amid constant provocations and direct attacks from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This makes it all the more valuable that at the end of the year, the first power unit of Kursk NPP-2 was connected to the national power grid for the first time. So, the Kursk nuclear scientists deserve congratulations and thanks for such a wonderful New Year’s gift, and the entire country for acquiring a new source of clean energy. Much work remains ahead for the Kursk residents. But the following can already be confirmed. The Kursk unit is the first embodiment of the latest VVER TOI nuclear power unit design. This design not only incorporates the latest advances in nuclear energy. It is also the most powerful power unit in Rosatom’s fleet: 1250 MW, which is 50 MW more than the previous record-holders — the power units of Leningrad NPP-2. And secondly … “On December 30, 2024, the general plan for the deployment of power facilities through 2042 was approved, according to which we are to build 38 power units. And today, a year later, we are taking the first step in 38, the goal of which is to increase nuclear generation in the country’s energy mix from the current 20% to 25%,” noted Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation .
The power start-up took place in the presence of the heads of Rosatom’s Electric Power and Engineering Divisions and key contractors.
“Today’s power start-up is the result of the hard work of tens of thousands of people—from those who poured the first concrete in 2018 to the engineers involved in the commissioning operations. Despite external threats, every specialist successfully completed their work, recognizing their responsibility to the team and to the country. The new power unit will increase nuclear power generation by more than 50% to meet the needs of the Kursk Region and ensure the stable operation of the Central Asian Unified Energy System of the Centre, guaranteeing its energy stability and confident progress,” said Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy at Rosatom State Corporation and President of JSC ASE (general designer, Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation).
The first connection of the generator to the grid was performed by Valery Yakushev, the electrical shop shift supervisor. “Our power unit has finally found its purpose and begun generating electricity. Considering it will operate for up to 100 years, being a part of this event is a great honor for me,” he shared after the historic occasion.
During the power startup phase, the power unit’s capacity will be gradually increased to 35-40%. This will be followed by a lengthy period of ramping up to 100%.
“The power unit’s commissioning is proceeding according to plan. Comprehensive testing of the unit is currently underway, ensuring the required power level is reached . The equipment and systems must operate efficiently, reliably, and safely, as required by the process regulations,” noted Alexander Shutikov, CEO of Rosenergoatom Concern JSC . ” After all the process operations, we will confirm with Rostekhnadzor that the unit’s characteristics and physical parameters comply with modern nuclear energy standards and requirements.”
The commissioning of Unit 1 of the replacement plant is scheduled for 2026. The implementation of projects similar to the VVER-TOI project will ensure reliable energy supply to the region and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.
