First unit of Belarusian nuclear power plant begins hydraulic tests

MINSK, 7 September (BelTA) – The first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant has started hydraulic tests of the reactor unit, the press service of the Belarusian Energy Ministry told BelTA.

The operation of the main circulation pumps, the operation of other equipment of the primary circuit and the secondary one will be checked in the course of the hydraulic tests. Once the hydraulic tests are successfully completed, other operations will begin – the warmup of the primary circuit of the reactor up to nominal parameters, the assessment of its nominal characteristics and the consequent increase in the reactor's output to the minimal controlled level.

The press service said that the power startup of the first unit is scheduled for Q4 2020.

The Belarusian nuclear power plant is being built near Ostrovets, Grodno Oblast using the Russian design AES-2006 featuring two VVER-1200 reactors with the total output capacity of 2,400MW. The Russian state nuclear industry corporation Rosatom is the general contractor. Generation III+ reactor units boast improved technical and economic parameters. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is compliant with IAEA safety requirements.