The mechanical engineering division of Rosatom presented the technical designs of the RITM-200N reactor plant, the AS-14-15 core and its components to a joint meeting of the bureau of Rosatom’s Scientific & Technical Council. The experts approved the designs, noting noted that the projects met the requirements of the technical specifications. The RITM-200N reactor plant is to be the basis of a low-power land-based NPP to be built in the Yakut village of Ust-Kuiga. The pilot station will include one power unit.
The installation was developed from the RITM-200 ship reactor installation developed for nuclear icebreakers but has been adapted for use at a land-based facility. The RITM-200N has a power of 190 MWt or 55 MWe. Its service life is up to 60 years, with refuelling every six years.
Development of working design, operational and acceptance documentation for equipment and systems of the RITM-200N reactor plant is now underway. In 2024, it is planned to develop design documentation for the low-power ground-based NPP, obtain a construction licence and start the main stage of construction. The first unit is planned to be launched in 2027, with commissioning in 2028.
RITM-200 reactors have been in operation for several years on the latest nuclear icebreakers of Project 22220 – Arktika, Siberia and Ural – and have proven their efficiency and absolute safety at all stages of the life cycle. To date, enterprises of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division have manufactured and shipped nine reactors of this type.
The implementation of the project for the construction of a low-power ground-based nuclear power plant in Yakutia will ensure energy independence and socio-economic development of the region. The facility will become the heart of one of Russia’s largest mineral resource centres and in the future will provide electricity to industrial enterprises, including the Kyuchus, Deputatskoye, and Tirekhtyakh deposits. In addition, it will play an important role in the general development of the territory.
OKBM Afrikantov is the chief designer of RITM-200N. It is part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division Atomenergomash.
Image: The RITM-200N reactor (courtesy of Rosatom)
