Construction of a BN-800 FBR has recommenced. Beloyarsk 4 is expected to be completed in 2009 at a cost of $1.3 billion. The only commercial-scale fast reactor, a BN-600, currently in operation is also at Beloyarsk (unit 3). In the first quarter of this year Beloyarsk 3 produced 1.236 billion kWh of electricity, 5% above target.
The new fast neutron reactor will use plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel. Construction had begun 16 years ago, but was stopped after the foundations were laid due to lack of funds. Uralenergostroy has been chosen as the main contractor.
