On 30 October the ‘cold and hot’ pre-comissioning testing of reactor adjustment work was successfully completed at the second unit of the Rostov NPP. About 500 specialists from more than 20 organizations participated in the work.

“Within the framework of preparation for Unit 2 first criticality the main sub-stage was conducted – test at nominal performance. The results of the test were given a “good” mark”, - according to coordinator of adjustment works at Unit 2 of Rostov NPP, Deputy General Director JSC Atomtekhenergo Vladimir Deriy.

Starting from 10 October a considerable complex of thermohydraulic tests was conducted incorporating acceptance of all systems, reactor unit equipment and its protection.

The first and the second loops of the pressurized reactor unit were checked for leakage and endurance. Excess pressure protection systems of 1-st and 2-d loops were also tested. Main circulation pumps were also tested with cold and hot parameters of the reactor unit, alongside with power supply system of base-of plant needs at interrupt and blackout modes. Reactor safety control systems also underwent a complex test. According to Deputy Director of JSC NIAEP (general contractor for the construction) Vladimir Belov, “the testing program has been carried out in full. Three stages are left till the first criticality”.

As Deputy Director said, negative pressuring and pneumatic tests are planned to be carried out till November 8. Then the equipment will be inspected – a routine operation involving its opening to check for possible defects and reactor opening with fuel rods dummies’ extration. Only after this commissions will get down to issuing the permission for criticality.

The containment tests will start soon after reactor shutdown cooling is filfilled and the necessary documents are ready, and will take 10 days. RoAES Unit 2 criticality is planned for the end of the year.

Volgodonsk NPP is OJSC Energoatom Concern’s affiliate. 100% shares of the Concern are owned by JSC Atomenergoprom consolidating civil assets of the Russian nuclear industry and providing the full production cycle in nuclear power generation field – from uranium mining to constructing NPPs and power generation. Unit 1 was commissioned in 2001, and it operates VVER-1000 reactor with installed capacity of 1000 MW. Unit 2 with the same type of reactor is planned for commissioning in 2009. JSC Energoatom Concern’s affiliate Administration of Rostov NPP Capital Construction is the Customer for Unit 2. JSC Nizhegorodskaya Engineering Company Atomenergoproekt (NIAEP) is the General Contractor. The enterprise is part of JSC Atomenergoprom integrated company.