Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 8, Russia’s Federal Service for Ecological, Technological & Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) has granted approval for the nuclear utility to extend the operation of Unit 3 at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by 15 years, until 2040. This decision followed a thorough evaluation of the unit’s 600 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor, conducted by several expert organizations. These include OKBM Afrikantov, Atomenergoproekt, OKB Gidropress, the All Russian Scientific & Research Institute for NPP Operation (VNIIAES), the AI Leipunsky Institute of Physics & Power Engineering, the Kurchatov Institute, and the Prometheus Central Research Institute of Structural Materials.

Prior to the approval, Beloyarsk NPP assessed the condition of critical, non-replaceable components, such as the reactor hull, internal structures, support belt, and heat exchanger supports. The findings confirmed their suitability for continued use. The unit also underwent significant upgrades, including the replacement of steam generator modules and reactor circulation pumps, ensuring its reliability for the extended period.

Ivan Sidorov, Director of Beloyarsk NPP, emphasized the unit’s importance, stating: “Beloyarsk unit 3 is a key link for the future of nuclear energy. It was here that the first MOX fuel assemblies underwent industrial tests, and now new assemblies are in the core to confirm the high quality of fuel and materials for future Generation 4 reactors – the BN-1200M and BREST.” He also highlighted the expertise gained by the plant’s staff through years of operating fast neutron reactors safely.

The Beloyarsk NPP, located in Russia, operates two sodium-cooled fast reactors: Unit 3’s BN-600, operational since 1980, and Unit 4’s BN-800, which started in 2015. A third project, Unit 5, is under construction and will feature the BN-1200M, a 1,200 MWe sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor, marking a global first for this capacity. Additionally, a lead-cooled fast reactor, the BREST-OD-300, is being built at the Siberian Chemical Combine in Tomsk as part of a demonstration project for a closed nuclear fuel cycle.

This extension and ongoing developments at Beloyarsk NPP underscore its role in advancing nuclear technology. The upgrades and assessments ensure the facility continues to operate efficiently while contributing to research for next-generation reactors, supporting sustainable energy solutions.