The Russian Federal Service for Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) on 18 October issued a new 26-year operating licence for unit 2 of the Balakovo nuclear plant, which means it can operate until 2043.
Balakavo 2, a 950MW VVER pressurised water reactor, began commercial operation in October 1987 and has produced 186TWh of electricity during its 30 years of operation.
The Balavoko nuclear plant comprises four VVER-1000 V-320 units, commissioned in 1985, 1987,1988 and 1993. In 2016, Balakovo 1 underwent life extension upgrades and is now licensed to operate until 2045. Two additional VVER-1000 units (Balakovo 5 and Balakovo 6) were started in 1987 and 1988 but the construction was suspended in 1992.
