Construction of supporting facilities has begun at the site of Russia’s Smolensk-II NPP. The general contractor is preparing the foundations for administrative and industrial buildings, warehouses, workshops and a dining room for 500 seats.
More than 270 cubic metres of concrete have already been laid. The foundation is sheltered by special tents, under which heat guns operate, creating the temperature necessary for freezing concrete. Such a strength set process occurs in full compliance with technological requirements.
In addition, garbage containers have been placed on production sites, fire shields have been supplied, workplaces are illuminated, and voltage cables have been laid and suspended in accordance with safety rules. A small team, about 80 people is on site and during lunchtime workers are transported to the dining room in the city.
Sergey Leonov, leading engineer of the labour protection department of the Smolensk NPP noted: “If any violations or positive practices are identified, then we try to eliminate the violations on the spot, and we show and recommend good practices at construction headquarters to all other organisations. All the requirements of our concern are mandatory for all contractors working on the construction site.”
Smolensk-II is being built 6 km away from the existing Smolensk NPP which comprises three RBMK reactors, nearing the end of their design life. The first unit was commissioned in 1982 and has had its lifetime extended until 2027. The second unit has a permit to operate until 29 May 2025 and the third until 14 December 2034.
