Physical launch of first unit of Belarusian nuclear power plant expected to begin within days

MINSK, 4 August (BelTA) – Operations relating to the physical launch of the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant are expected to begin within the next few days, BelTA learned from Press Secretary of the Belarusian Energy Ministry Olga Kozlovich.

According to the source, equipment has been tested and prepared to begin the physical launch. Personnel of the Belarusian nuclear power plant have been trained and have done the necessary exercises to perform fuel loading operations.

The physical launch will begin with the placement of nuclear fuel into the nuclear reactor core. A total of 163 fuel rod arrays will be placed inside the reactor. The main circulation pumps will be turned on in order to warm up the coolant in the primary circuit of the reactor unit to design parameters.

After that the reactor will have to reach the minimal controlled operation level (the beginning of a chain reaction). All the necessary tests will be done and the output of the reactor unit will be gradually raised.

The physical launch is a key stage of the project to commission a power-generating unit. The primary goal of the physical launch is to verify the reliability and safe operation of the power-generating unit within design parameters.

Safety has been and will be the overriding priority at all stages of the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction project, the press secretary stressed.