The Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has approved the installation of a low-power NPP in the Ust-Yansky district to supply energy to the Kyuchus gold deposit and residents of the region. Rosatom is the customer and investor in the project and the contractor will be decided through a competitive process, SakhaPress reported on 2 June. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project provides for the construction of one power unit and a number of auxiliary and administrative buildings. The power unit will include a RITM-200 reactor unit with a thermal capacity of 190 MW and a steam turbine unit with a capacity of at least 55 MW. The planned service life may exceed 60 years.
The implementation of this project is planned in several stages. So, by the end of 2022, pre-project surveys will be carried out, the necessary examinations will be completed and a siting licence will be obtained. By the end of 2024, Rosatom will complete engineering surveys and obtain a construction permit. In addition, during this period preparatory work will be carried out at the site. The construction of the facility will be carried out in 2024-2027. The station will be put into commercial operation in 2028.
The construction of a low-power NPP in Ust-Yansky will reduce the district's dependence on imported fuel, currently costing RUB5 million ($68,000) per 1,000 tons, and will ensure efficient energy supply to the Kyuchus field.
