Russia’s Government has approved the general layout of electric power facilities until 2042, which includes the first two units of the Smolensk-II NPP. Russia’s Titan-2 is to build these units, which will feature VVER-TOI reactors. The first unit is scheduled for completion by 2032, with the second following in 2034.
Smolensk-II will be built 6 km away from the 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.
In 2025 we will begin the work on a construction and installation base with supporting infrastructure,” said Smolensk NPP Director Pavel Lubensky. “The regional state examination department issued a positive conclusion to the project documentation, and in the coming days we expect permission from the administration of the Roslavl district. The site is prepared for the beginning of the work – the vertical layout has been completed.”
At the peak of construction, closer to 2030, up to 11,000 people will be involved in the work. A modular construction town is being built near Desnogorsk to house them. “The regional government is closely cooperating with Rosatom on the construction of the second stage of the NPP,” said the governor of the Smolensk region Vasily Anokhin. “This global investment project over several decades will become a powerful incentive for the economic, industrial and technological development of the city of Desnogorsk and the region as a whole, improving the life of the population. We are actively strengthening the personnel potential of the regional construction complex, which will help to fill a significant part of the need for working hands at such an important facility.”
