Second unit of Belarusian nuclear power plant 70% ready

MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – The second unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant (BelNPP) is 70% ready, Belarus' Deputy Energy Minister Mikhail Mikhadyuk said in an interview to the Respublika newspaper, BelTA has learned.

“The readiness of the second unit is estimated at 70%. Works underway include construction and installation works on nuclear and turbine facilities, installation of main equipment, technological pipelines, and cable products. Preparations to launch voltage supply for own needs are also underway. It is scheduled for Q1 2020. This is necessary for full-scale commissioning works on the second power unit,” said Mikhail Mikhadyuk.

The deputy minister said that the first unit is in high state of readiness. According to him, the main construction works have been completed there and finishing works are carried out. Start-up and adjustment works, comprehensive tests proceed with regard to technological systems. The pilot operation of the engineering and technical means of the BelNPP physical protection system has been launched.

“We are at the most important stage of pre-commissioning works, i.e. pre-start hot functional tests, which we plan to complete in February. This means that fuel imitators have been loaded into the reactor. The reactor will have to handle operational temperature and pressure and will have to go through a series of tests. This stage will demonstrate the workability of its technological part, identify possible shortcomings that may occur in the launch of any new equipment,” he said.

The power unit will then be stopped and cooled down. The next stage will include the routine procedures of auditing all technological equipment. After that specialists will begin the physical start-up phase and proceed to the final stage which means reaching the designed capacity of the plant.