Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Russian government are discussing the possibility of Rostov nuclear power plant supplying electricity to the Crimea, according to Vadim Koinov, head of the department of information and public relations for NPPs.
A decision to this effect may be taken after units 3 and 4 (both VVER-1000/320 reactors) of Rostov nuclear plant begin operation. Unit 3 achieved first criticality in November 2014 and began pilot operation on 14 July. It is expected to begin commercial operation this year. Unit 4 is scheduled to begin operation in 2017.
Acceptance tests have been completed at unit 3, marking the end of pilot operation and its readiness to be put into commercial operation. The unit operated at nominal power for 15 days during which operation of the main equipment and auxiliary systems in base-load mode was tested.
Rosatom said inspectors from the Don branch of Russian regulator Rostechnadzor are working at the unit to prepare a report that will enable approval for commissioning. The support ring for the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for unit 4 has been installed. The RPV arrived at the site in June and can now be lifted into the reactor pit. The installation of the main primary circuit equipment will then begin.
