The Rosatom Technical Academy (RTA) is developing and implementing training courses on two-component nuclear energy technologies, according to RTA Rector Yuri Seleznev during a meeting attended by Rosatom, the administration of the Tomsk Region, the Siberian Chemical Combine (SKhK – Sibirskovo Khimicheskovo Kombinata) and representatives of supporting universities.
It was noted that to date, last year, five courses of additional professional education were developed and were successfully conducted, involving more than 300 employees of the industry, including a series of on-site training at SKhK for more than 80 people.
These courses aim to provide information on the basic principles of two-component nuclear energy embedded in the implementation of a new technological platform based on the full use of fast neutron reactors and nuclear fuel cycle closure technologies. Attendees received specialist knowledge in the field of the innovative reactor installation Brest-OD-300, technologies for the production of mixed nitride uranium-plutonium fuel and processing of used fuel. In addition, RTA is already providing educational support in areas of the under the Proryv (Breakthrough) including new generation codes and industrial robotics.
The lead-cooled Brest-OD-300 fast reactor is part of the pilot demonstration power complex (ODEK – Opitno Demonstratsionovo Energo-Kompleksa), which is being developed at SKhK in Seversk under the Breakthrough project intended to demonstrate closed fuel cycle technology. Brest (Bistrii Reaktor Estestvennoi-bezopasnosti co Svinstovim Teplonositelem – Fast Natural-safety Reactor with Lead Coolant) is a Generation IV 300 MWe power unit. ODEK also includes a module for the production of mixed dense nitride uranium-plutonium (SNUP) fuel, as well as a module for reprocessing irradiated fuel. SNUP fuel is based on two key components – depleted uranium, which is a by-product of uranium enrichment for nuclear reactors, and plutonium, extracted from irradiated nuclear fuel.
Currently, the possibility of deepening cooperation between SKhK and RTA on conducting theoretical training courses for future operational personnel of Brest-OD-300 is being considered. Since 2022 the two have been developing programmes and training materials. RTA is involved in the development of teaching and methodological documentation for the implementation of an electronic tool, Integrated calculation mathematical model of the BREST-OD-300, for practical training of operators.
