Nizhniy Novgorod-based Atomenergoproekt has won tender for the construction of the 3rd and 4th units of Rostov (also known as Volgodonsk) nuclear power plant.
The Rostov project is part of the series of unified projects to build VVER-1000 reactors. According to the latest cost estimate the project will cost in the region of RUR145.4 billion ($4.7b).
NIAEP is part of Atomenergoprom, a state-owned integrated holding consolidating the civil assets of Russia’s nuclear industry and offering a full package of services in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy: from uranium mining to power plant construction and power generation. NIAEP designs and builds nuclear reactors, manages and supervises nuclear construction projects, prepares nuclear units for commercial operation, acts as general contractor under projects to build and start up, and supplies materials and equipment for nuclear construction projects.
The company has been the general contractor of the construction of the Rostov 2 since June 2007. During mid-may press-conference director of Rostov nuclear power plant Alexander Palamarchuk said that the general construction work at Rostov 2 was almost over. He said: “The contractors are presently installing fuel assembly mock-up in to the reactor. When all 163 fuel assemblies are charged and the technological systems are ready, the reactor will undergo hydro-testing.” The unit is scheduled to start up in October.
Four VVER reactors were originally planned for the Rostov site and plant began construction in the 1980s. After the Chernobyl accident, the Rostov Council of People’s Deputies decided to stop the project. Their June 1990 decision said: “the construction of an NPP in the territory of Rostov region is inadmissible for the moment.” In 1999 the Atomic Energy Ministry allocated funds to complete the Rostov reactor and several other stalled projects and in 2000 the first unit came online.
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