Russia’s Government has approved the General Plan for the Siting of Electricity Facilities to 2042, which includes the construction of new units of the Leningrad NPP. According to the plan, the construction of units Leningrad 7&8 with VVER-1200 reactors will significantly increase the generating capacities of the region and replace the closure of older units with RBMK-1000 reactors.
The inclusion of new power units in the General Plan is a strategically important solution that confirms long-term plans for the development of nuclear energy in Russia, said Leningrad NPP Director Vladimir Pereguda. “New power units will provide stable and reliable energy supply to the North-West, stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.”
Construction of units 7&8 began in 2022. In 2024, all key events at the construction site were completed ahead of schedule, including: reinforcement and laying of the first concrete in the foundation plate for the building of the unit 7 reactor, concreting the foundation of the building of unit 7 to 10,000 metres, and the beginning of reinforcement of the foundation plate for the reactor. Two priority facilities necessary for the construction of units 7&8 were also commissioned, – is a transformer substation of 110/10 kV and a combined pumping station for fire water supply and automatic water firefighting. The commissioning of new power units is planned for 2030 and 2032, respectively.
According to the General Plan, it is planned to increase the share of NPP capacity in the structure of electricity production from 18.9% in 2023 to 24% in 2042. In total, 38 nuclear power units with a total capacity of 29,300 MWe are planned to be commissioned by 2042.
Currently Leningrad NPP has four units in operation – units 3&4 with Soviet RBMK-1000 reactors, as well units 5&6 with new VVER-1200 units (also known as Leningrad-II 1&2). Units 5&6 replaced units 1&2 with RBMK-1000 reactors, which were decommissioned in 2018 and 2020. New VVER-1200 units (7&8) will replace units 3&4.
