Rosatom continues to develop its uranium mining project in Namibia
The project “Wings” is aimed at the search and development of uranium deposits, which, according to the specialists’ assess, can ensure record production. An experimental mining is under preparation at one site. However, firstly, it is necessary to find a common language with local farmers, whose lands fell into the area of research.
7% of global uranium resources are concentrated in Namibia. According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the country has become among top three leaders in mining operations in 2021. The two companies operate there: Husab Mine and Rössing Uranium Mine. Both belong to the Chinese corporation CNNC, they operate classic open-cast excavation.
The Russian project “Wings”, aimed at discovery of promising deposits, started in 2010. However, the Government of Namibia almost immediately imposed a moratorium on geological exploration, so the project entered "sleep mode".
“After the lifting of the moratorium in 2018, the active phase began. A large sandstone deposit, potentially suitable for development by the method of in-situ leaching, was discovered in Omaheke Region,” said Anton Korobkin, Head of the Wings Project, Head of the Production and Technology Department of Uranium One, “We are going to build a processing plant and hope that this deposit will allow to mine uranium in amounts comparable with those mined by the largest global uranium enterprises.”
Geological exploration continues. The deposits in the central part are being prepared for the experimental mining. “We estimate the project period at 15-25 years with the ability to increase its resource base and term,” added Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, head of the AURA investment program, director of mining projects at Uranium One.
Uranium One employees visit Namibia regularly – once or twice every couple of months, staying at least for a week. No special vaccinations are required before the trip: malaria exists in a small area, outside the territory of the project.
The main part of the mining project is communications with the local population. A great number of ethnic groups live there. All of them have their own interests and expectations. “Our task is to tell local communities in an accessible way, what we do on their land,” explains Anton Korobkin. People in the Omaheke Region mainly speak three languages: English, German and Afrikaans.
Uranium One specialists get acquainted with farm owners, describe the project into detailed way, speak about the prospects for new workplaces and economic development of the region. Some farmers have a rather high quality of education, they have experience in working at mining enterprises. They usually unconditionally support the “Wings” project. “Other people need deep immersion in the topic. We explain the advantages of the SPV, show schemes, layouts, discuss the successful cases from other regions. If a farmer allows access to his land, we conclude a compensation agreement,” says Anton Korobkin.
Uranium One admits that nowadays most farmers are totally against the project. It is necessary to look for compromises. Local communities of some area claimed that they do not trust the results of water analysis, which was carried out by Uranium One. An independent laboratory repeated the investigation, the results were the same and trust was earned.
Rosatom organized a road-show in August: a group of experts visited towns and talked to local communities. Employees were talking about the state corporation, about a project and methods of mining uranium. Kirill Egorov-Kirillov noted that a lot of people had visited such events. Among them there were women with children, tribal elders and youngsters.
The main work is still ahead, but the support of Rosatom is felt in the region. Since the beginning of the project development, the state corporation has invested more than $50 million in the Namibian economy. Potential investments in the construction phase of processing plant are estimated at $300 million, up to 500 workplaces will be created. “Even at the stage of geological exploration, our contractors attract local specialist, 150 of them were involved in work last year,” says Kirill Egorov-Kirillov.
Another important direction of the project development is social work. There is a school for 600 children in the nearest settlement, Leonardville. Uranium One has got information that food supply disruptions take place there and has begun to buy groceries on a regular basis. The canteen is old, does not meet hygienic requirements, and U1 decided to make renovation with redevelopment. They have already agreed with the local architectural bureau.
“So, there are a lot of non-trivial tasks,” Anton Korobkin summarizes, “It is necessary to look for compromise, to talk to local communities. Kirill and I became friends with many locals - they invite us to visit, discuss the news with us”
7% of global uranium resources are concentrated in Namibia. According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), the country has become among top three leaders in mining operations in 2021. The two companies operate there: Husab Mine and Rössing Uranium Mine. Both belong to the Chinese corporation CNNC, they operate classic open-cast excavation.
The Russian project “Wings”, aimed at discovery of promising deposits, started in 2010. However, the Government of Namibia almost immediately imposed a moratorium on geological exploration, so the project entered "sleep mode".
“After the lifting of the moratorium in 2018, the active phase began. A large sandstone deposit, potentially suitable for development by the method of in-situ leaching, was discovered in Omaheke Region,” said Anton Korobkin, Head of the Wings Project, Head of the Production and Technology Department of Uranium One, “We are going to build a processing plant and hope that this deposit will allow to mine uranium in amounts comparable with those mined by the largest global uranium enterprises.”
Geological exploration continues. The deposits in the central part are being prepared for the experimental mining. “We estimate the project period at 15-25 years with the ability to increase its resource base and term,” added Kirill Egorov-Kirillov, head of the AURA investment program, director of mining projects at Uranium One.
Uranium One employees visit Namibia regularly – once or twice every couple of months, staying at least for a week. No special vaccinations are required before the trip: malaria exists in a small area, outside the territory of the project.
The main part of the mining project is communications with the local population. A great number of ethnic groups live there. All of them have their own interests and expectations. “Our task is to tell local communities in an accessible way, what we do on their land,” explains Anton Korobkin. People in the Omaheke Region mainly speak three languages: English, German and Afrikaans.
Uranium One specialists get acquainted with farm owners, describe the project into detailed way, speak about the prospects for new workplaces and economic development of the region. Some farmers have a rather high quality of education, they have experience in working at mining enterprises. They usually unconditionally support the “Wings” project. “Other people need deep immersion in the topic. We explain the advantages of the SPV, show schemes, layouts, discuss the successful cases from other regions. If a farmer allows access to his land, we conclude a compensation agreement,” says Anton Korobkin.
Uranium One admits that nowadays most farmers are totally against the project. It is necessary to look for compromises. Local communities of some area claimed that they do not trust the results of water analysis, which was carried out by Uranium One. An independent laboratory repeated the investigation, the results were the same and trust was earned.
Rosatom organized a road-show in August: a group of experts visited towns and talked to local communities. Employees were talking about the state corporation, about a project and methods of mining uranium. Kirill Egorov-Kirillov noted that a lot of people had visited such events. Among them there were women with children, tribal elders and youngsters.
The main work is still ahead, but the support of Rosatom is felt in the region. Since the beginning of the project development, the state corporation has invested more than $50 million in the Namibian economy. Potential investments in the construction phase of processing plant are estimated at $300 million, up to 500 workplaces will be created. “Even at the stage of geological exploration, our contractors attract local specialist, 150 of them were involved in work last year,” says Kirill Egorov-Kirillov.
Another important direction of the project development is social work. There is a school for 600 children in the nearest settlement, Leonardville. Uranium One has got information that food supply disruptions take place there and has begun to buy groceries on a regular basis. The canteen is old, does not meet hygienic requirements, and U1 decided to make renovation with redevelopment. They have already agreed with the local architectural bureau.
“So, there are a lot of non-trivial tasks,” Anton Korobkin summarizes, “It is necessary to look for compromise, to talk to local communities. Kirill and I became friends with many locals - they invite us to visit, discuss the news with us”
The Chinese Academy of Sciences will cooperate with JINR in the field of synthesis of superheavy elements
A videoconference between the Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of JINR and Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Lanzhou) was held on 15 September. The event was dedicated to expanding cooperation between the two organizations, specializing in the field of synthesis and study of properties of superheavy elements. The meeting was moderated by Sergey Dmitriev, JINR Vice-Director.
Yury Oganesyan, FLNR Scientific Supervisor, RAS, read the report about the research program of SHE in Dubna; Vasily Semin, Head of FLNR Accelerator Department told the audience about FLNR accelerator complex. The report of Vladimir Utenkov, PhD of Physics and Mathematics, Head of the FLNR Sector of Synthesis and Properties of Superheavy Nuclei, was devoted to results and prospects of experiments on the synthesis and study of superheavy nuclei at the SHE Factory. Progress in the preparation and the program of research on chemical properties of SHE was presented by Nikolai Aksenov, Cand. Sc. (Chemistry), Head of the Chemistry of Transactinides Sector at FLNR.
Professor Hushan Xu, Director of the Institute of Modern Physics, made a review of recent studies, conducted by the Institute, and spoke about the development of research infrastructure.
Reports, dedicated to the development of the accelerator complex for SHE synthesis, the creation of high-intensity ECR ion-source, the status of synthesis research and the status of the study of chemical properties of SHE, were presented by Yuan He, Liangting Sun, Zhiyuan Zhang, and Zhi Qin, the heads of relevant areas of the Institute of Modern Physics.
Director of FLNR JINR Sergey Sidorchuk, Deputy Scientific Leader of the Laboratory Mikhail Itkis, Deputy Director of the Laboratory on Science Alexander Yeremin, Scientific Secretary of FLNR Alexander Karpov, and heads of departments of the Institute of Modern Physics, including Deputy Director of the Institute Professor Hongwei Zhao (member of the JINR Scientific Council) participated in the discussion. The parties agreed on the need to expand cooperation in the field of accelerator technologies, physics and chemistry of SHE.
It was proposed to appoint Alexander Karpov on behalf of FLNR JINR and Zhiyu Sun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Modern Physics, from the side Institute, as coordinators of the preparation of the cooperation programme.
Status and priority areas of cooperation between JINR and Chinese institutes will be discussed at the JINR Directorate at the end of October. The common programme of joint research and development will be created as a result of this discussion.
Yury Oganesyan, FLNR Scientific Supervisor, RAS, read the report about the research program of SHE in Dubna; Vasily Semin, Head of FLNR Accelerator Department told the audience about FLNR accelerator complex. The report of Vladimir Utenkov, PhD of Physics and Mathematics, Head of the FLNR Sector of Synthesis and Properties of Superheavy Nuclei, was devoted to results and prospects of experiments on the synthesis and study of superheavy nuclei at the SHE Factory. Progress in the preparation and the program of research on chemical properties of SHE was presented by Nikolai Aksenov, Cand. Sc. (Chemistry), Head of the Chemistry of Transactinides Sector at FLNR.
Professor Hushan Xu, Director of the Institute of Modern Physics, made a review of recent studies, conducted by the Institute, and spoke about the development of research infrastructure.
Reports, dedicated to the development of the accelerator complex for SHE synthesis, the creation of high-intensity ECR ion-source, the status of synthesis research and the status of the study of chemical properties of SHE, were presented by Yuan He, Liangting Sun, Zhiyuan Zhang, and Zhi Qin, the heads of relevant areas of the Institute of Modern Physics.
Director of FLNR JINR Sergey Sidorchuk, Deputy Scientific Leader of the Laboratory Mikhail Itkis, Deputy Director of the Laboratory on Science Alexander Yeremin, Scientific Secretary of FLNR Alexander Karpov, and heads of departments of the Institute of Modern Physics, including Deputy Director of the Institute Professor Hongwei Zhao (member of the JINR Scientific Council) participated in the discussion. The parties agreed on the need to expand cooperation in the field of accelerator technologies, physics and chemistry of SHE.
It was proposed to appoint Alexander Karpov on behalf of FLNR JINR and Zhiyu Sun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Modern Physics, from the side Institute, as coordinators of the preparation of the cooperation programme.
Status and priority areas of cooperation between JINR and Chinese institutes will be discussed at the JINR Directorate at the end of October. The common programme of joint research and development will be created as a result of this discussion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the settlement of all issues related to the construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Friday at a meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan that issues, related to the construction of the Akkuyu NPP in Turkey, had been settled, relevant documents had been signed on September 15.
“The project of the NPP Akkuyu is being implemented regularly, in accordance with the schedule. We have discussed it recently, there were several issues, connected with the organization of the construction process. As far as I know, all these issues are closed, final documents, governing relationships between the parties of this huge construction project, were signed,” said Putin.
He added that he "would very much like the first unit to be launched on time, in 2023."
About the situation around the Akkuyu NPP
On August 2, the Turkish Ministry of Energy issued a statement, in which it expressed hope that disagreements, having arisen between Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, which is building the NPP, and the Turkish general contractor, would not influence the implementation of the country's most important energy project.
According to Turkish media reports, Akkuyu Nuclear JSC cancelled its contract with the general contractor for the construction of the NPP, the local company Titan 2-IC Ictas. The Turkish firm announced its intention to challenge this decision in court.
Anastasia Zoteeva, the Chief Executive Officer of Akkuyu Nuclear, previously said that despite the change of the general contractor, the construction of the first power unit for the Akkuyu NPP would be completed in 2023.
According to the administration of the Turkish leader, Putin and Erdogan discussed the NPP during the phone call on September 3. It was noted that the presidents "confirmed their determination to implement the Akkuyu NPP construction project according to the plan". The Erdogan administration added that the heads of state will discuss this topic in details at a meeting in Samarkand on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
“The project of the NPP Akkuyu is being implemented regularly, in accordance with the schedule. We have discussed it recently, there were several issues, connected with the organization of the construction process. As far as I know, all these issues are closed, final documents, governing relationships between the parties of this huge construction project, were signed,” said Putin.
He added that he "would very much like the first unit to be launched on time, in 2023."
About the situation around the Akkuyu NPP
On August 2, the Turkish Ministry of Energy issued a statement, in which it expressed hope that disagreements, having arisen between Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, which is building the NPP, and the Turkish general contractor, would not influence the implementation of the country's most important energy project.
According to Turkish media reports, Akkuyu Nuclear JSC cancelled its contract with the general contractor for the construction of the NPP, the local company Titan 2-IC Ictas. The Turkish firm announced its intention to challenge this decision in court.
Anastasia Zoteeva, the Chief Executive Officer of Akkuyu Nuclear, previously said that despite the change of the general contractor, the construction of the first power unit for the Akkuyu NPP would be completed in 2023.
According to the administration of the Turkish leader, Putin and Erdogan discussed the NPP during the phone call on September 3. It was noted that the presidents "confirmed their determination to implement the Akkuyu NPP construction project according to the plan". The Erdogan administration added that the heads of state will discuss this topic in details at a meeting in Samarkand on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
Experts from WANO noted the high level of professionalism of the employees, who are responsible for the modular control panes at the Kalinin NPP
This was the conclusion reached by experts from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) at the second stage of peer review, which was held at the Kalinin NPP, from 5 to 16 September 2022.
“Such checks are carried out every four years, as the initiative of the host country. The goal is to compare the NPP level of exploitation with the high level standards of WANO, which is held through in-depth objective assessment, led by an international group of experts. Moreover, the audit detects company’s strengths and areas for improvement,” noted Mikhail Sharov, the head of the expert team, adviser to the WANO Moscow Center.
Representatives of WANO were observing how the employees, responsible for the modular control panels, work on the full-scale simulator (FSS) for two weeks. The main goal was to assess if the staff of operational shifts can react to the imitated incapacitation of equipment in both normal use and in case of emergencies. The observations were carried out according to the international methodology "Crew Performance Observations" (CPO), which is widely used at nuclear power plants around the world.
Moreover, the quality of procedures and documentation, available to operational staff, the ability of the hardware and software of FSS to prototype processes, occurring in different models of the equipment at the NPP, were checked.
As a result of the audit, WANO experts assessed the high professionalism of the workers of the block control panels at Kalinin NPP, the level of interaction in working shift, the staff’s ability to carry out diagnostics in a rapid and correct way and the ability to make decisions. In addition to this, they determined the direction of the further exploitation improvements in order to maintain the compliance of the Kalinin NPP with the best world practices.
Besides this, the experts commended the state of training equipment, which is used for preparation and qualification support of the NPP’s staff.
The main stage of peer review will be held in October 2022. WANO experts will inspect the Kalinin NPP for several directions: organization and administration, maintenance and repair, engineering support, the emergency protection, exploitation, etc. All these categories are included in the WANO document “Performance Objectives & Criteria”, which describes the performance benchmark for nuclear power plants. It is designed to achieve excellence in the operation, technical service, support activities and management of NPPs.
“Such checks are carried out every four years, as the initiative of the host country. The goal is to compare the NPP level of exploitation with the high level standards of WANO, which is held through in-depth objective assessment, led by an international group of experts. Moreover, the audit detects company’s strengths and areas for improvement,” noted Mikhail Sharov, the head of the expert team, adviser to the WANO Moscow Center.
Representatives of WANO were observing how the employees, responsible for the modular control panels, work on the full-scale simulator (FSS) for two weeks. The main goal was to assess if the staff of operational shifts can react to the imitated incapacitation of equipment in both normal use and in case of emergencies. The observations were carried out according to the international methodology "Crew Performance Observations" (CPO), which is widely used at nuclear power plants around the world.
Moreover, the quality of procedures and documentation, available to operational staff, the ability of the hardware and software of FSS to prototype processes, occurring in different models of the equipment at the NPP, were checked.
As a result of the audit, WANO experts assessed the high professionalism of the workers of the block control panels at Kalinin NPP, the level of interaction in working shift, the staff’s ability to carry out diagnostics in a rapid and correct way and the ability to make decisions. In addition to this, they determined the direction of the further exploitation improvements in order to maintain the compliance of the Kalinin NPP with the best world practices.
Besides this, the experts commended the state of training equipment, which is used for preparation and qualification support of the NPP’s staff.
The main stage of peer review will be held in October 2022. WANO experts will inspect the Kalinin NPP for several directions: organization and administration, maintenance and repair, engineering support, the emergency protection, exploitation, etc. All these categories are included in the WANO document “Performance Objectives & Criteria”, which describes the performance benchmark for nuclear power plants. It is designed to achieve excellence in the operation, technical service, support activities and management of NPPs.
A new lunar mineral is discovered with the participation of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)
China National Space Administration (CNSA) and China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) jointly published the results of studies of lunar samples, which were brought to Earth by the interplanetary station Chang'e 5 in 2020.
The participation of nuclear specialists is justified by the fact that CNNC’s specialists and scientists from the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology (BRIUG), which is a part of CNNC, were involved in the study of lunar soil samples.
Among other things, the two departments announced the discovery of a new mineral called "Changesite-(Y)" ("Chang'e Stone").
The discovery of the mineral was confirmed by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA).
Changesite-(Y) has become the sixth discovered lunar mineral and the first one, which was detected by Chinese specialists.
The new mineral has the shape of a columnar crystal and belongs to the phosphate minerals. It is assumed that it is contained in particles of lunar basalt.
The press release also announced other major research achievements in the analysis of lunar soil samples.
In particular, CNNC’s specialists were able to measure the concentration of helium-3-isotope, which would play an important role in the fusion energy industry. The obtained data can be used for the assessment of lunar resources of helium-3.
CNNC has over 40 years of experience in the analysis of lunar soil samples. A working group, led by Professor Li Ziying, was created in the BRIUG institute in order to study the samples delivered by the Chang'e 5 station.
First results of analysis of the soil samples, given by Chang'e 5, were previously published.
The participation of nuclear specialists is justified by the fact that CNNC’s specialists and scientists from the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology (BRIUG), which is a part of CNNC, were involved in the study of lunar soil samples.
Among other things, the two departments announced the discovery of a new mineral called "Changesite-(Y)" ("Chang'e Stone").
The discovery of the mineral was confirmed by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA).
Changesite-(Y) has become the sixth discovered lunar mineral and the first one, which was detected by Chinese specialists.
The new mineral has the shape of a columnar crystal and belongs to the phosphate minerals. It is assumed that it is contained in particles of lunar basalt.
The press release also announced other major research achievements in the analysis of lunar soil samples.
In particular, CNNC’s specialists were able to measure the concentration of helium-3-isotope, which would play an important role in the fusion energy industry. The obtained data can be used for the assessment of lunar resources of helium-3.
CNNC has over 40 years of experience in the analysis of lunar soil samples. A working group, led by Professor Li Ziying, was created in the BRIUG institute in order to study the samples delivered by the Chang'e 5 station.
First results of analysis of the soil samples, given by Chang'e 5, were previously published.
Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics took part in the Career Day of the Faculty of Physics of St. Petersburg State University
On September 2, 2022, employees of National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” – PINF participated in the Career Day of the Faculty of Physics of St. Petersburg State University, which was held on the base of Research Institute of Physics V.A. Fock in Peterhof. Representatives of specialized employing organizations spoke about working conditions, required skills and knowledge and possibilities of internships.
The event was aimed at graduate students, who will be able to work in these organizations during the year, at junior students, who will choose the specialized departments, and also at post-graduate students.
Special attention was paid to strategic partnership between the Department of Nuclear Physics Research Methods and NRS “Kurchatov Institute” – PINF. High qualifications of the graduates of the Department and the demand for these specialists in the Institute were discussed.
Nikita Vladimirovich Marchenkov, head of the Kurchatov complex of synchrotron and neutron research, who also participated in the event, confirmed the interest in specialist of such qualification. Sergey Ivanovich Vorobyov, scientific secretary of the Institue, Dmitry Nikolaevich Aristov, head of the department of theoretical physics, Anatoly Vladimirovich Titov, head of the department of promising developments spoke on the behalf of the Institute as an employer. The performances were warmly welcomed by students, which led to intensive discussions and a large number of issues after the performance.
The event was aimed at graduate students, who will be able to work in these organizations during the year, at junior students, who will choose the specialized departments, and also at post-graduate students.
Special attention was paid to strategic partnership between the Department of Nuclear Physics Research Methods and NRS “Kurchatov Institute” – PINF. High qualifications of the graduates of the Department and the demand for these specialists in the Institute were discussed.
Nikita Vladimirovich Marchenkov, head of the Kurchatov complex of synchrotron and neutron research, who also participated in the event, confirmed the interest in specialist of such qualification. Sergey Ivanovich Vorobyov, scientific secretary of the Institue, Dmitry Nikolaevich Aristov, head of the department of theoretical physics, Anatoly Vladimirovich Titov, head of the department of promising developments spoke on the behalf of the Institute as an employer. The performances were warmly welcomed by students, which led to intensive discussions and a large number of issues after the performance.
Rosatom held the first meeting of the International Youth Council «Impact Team 2050»
On September 14, the 1st Meeting of «Impact Team 2050» – International youth consultative body under the Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom State Corporation took place. Council members, from 12 countries, met Tatyana Terentyeva, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Human Resources of Rosatom, and Vadim Titov, President of Rusatom - International Network.
In December 2021, during the Global Impact Conference, Alexei Likhachev, Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom State Corporation, announced the start of a global youth partnership aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.
«I am convinced that our collaboration with youth will be the driving force for positive changes around the world», – he said.
The initiative of Rosatom aims to involve gifted young people in corporate transformation issues and search for strategic solutions that will increase the company's contribution to improving the quality of people’s life. The unique partnership format will help to establish a more effective dialogue with the youngsters in order to meet the request for global change and sustainable development.
12 young people from 12 countries became the members of the «Impact Team 2050». Among them are talented scientists, engineers, managers, leaders of community and opinions, international activists in the field of sustainable development and climate change issues. Behind each of the council members is the youth of the country with its own set of values and vision of world development trends.
“The combination of active, talented youth and Rosatom's capabilities to promote the principles of sustainable development leads to the creation of qualitatively new initiatives based on the values of cooperation and co-creation. The Council will be invited to participate in the development of priority areas of the company's business, where the youth has already become an important stakeholder and partner,” says Tatyana Terentyeva, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for HR of Rosatom State Corporation.
“Rosatom is accustomed to looking ahead – tens, and sometimes hundreds of years ahead, in the field of nuclear energy it is impossible to do otherwise. The «Impact Team 2050» Council corresponds to our strategic goals, because the dialogue with opinion leaders among youth determines the vector of global development and forms a sustainable future today”, – claimed Vadim Titov, President of «Rusatom International Network».
“Many international organizations call for more active work with young people, involving them in their projects, and at the same time they do not offer real opportunities for the youngsters to improve the world around them. Today, Rosatom has already presented the opportunities, and this is a qualitatively new level of partnership”, – added Nora Chang, a member of the Impact Team 2050 from the People's Republic of China.
This year, in addition to their main activities within the international council, young people will take part in the XII International Forum «ATOMEXPO» in Sochi, and will also act as the Program Committee of the "Global Impact Conference" 2022 in Nizhny Novgorod, where they will meet with the management of the Rosatom State Corporation.
In December 2021, during the Global Impact Conference, Alexei Likhachev, Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom State Corporation, announced the start of a global youth partnership aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.
«I am convinced that our collaboration with youth will be the driving force for positive changes around the world», – he said.
The initiative of Rosatom aims to involve gifted young people in corporate transformation issues and search for strategic solutions that will increase the company's contribution to improving the quality of people’s life. The unique partnership format will help to establish a more effective dialogue with the youngsters in order to meet the request for global change and sustainable development.
12 young people from 12 countries became the members of the «Impact Team 2050». Among them are talented scientists, engineers, managers, leaders of community and opinions, international activists in the field of sustainable development and climate change issues. Behind each of the council members is the youth of the country with its own set of values and vision of world development trends.
“The combination of active, talented youth and Rosatom's capabilities to promote the principles of sustainable development leads to the creation of qualitatively new initiatives based on the values of cooperation and co-creation. The Council will be invited to participate in the development of priority areas of the company's business, where the youth has already become an important stakeholder and partner,” says Tatyana Terentyeva, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for HR of Rosatom State Corporation.
“Rosatom is accustomed to looking ahead – tens, and sometimes hundreds of years ahead, in the field of nuclear energy it is impossible to do otherwise. The «Impact Team 2050» Council corresponds to our strategic goals, because the dialogue with opinion leaders among youth determines the vector of global development and forms a sustainable future today”, – claimed Vadim Titov, President of «Rusatom International Network».
“Many international organizations call for more active work with young people, involving them in their projects, and at the same time they do not offer real opportunities for the youngsters to improve the world around them. Today, Rosatom has already presented the opportunities, and this is a qualitatively new level of partnership”, – added Nora Chang, a member of the Impact Team 2050 from the People's Republic of China.
This year, in addition to their main activities within the international council, young people will take part in the XII International Forum «ATOMEXPO» in Sochi, and will also act as the Program Committee of the "Global Impact Conference" 2022 in Nizhny Novgorod, where they will meet with the management of the Rosatom State Corporation.
The State Council of China approved of the construction of two CAP1000 at the Liangjiang NPP and two Hualong One at the Zhangzhou NPP
The State Council of China approved of the construction of two CAP1000 power units as the first phase of Liangjiang Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong province and two power units Hualong One as the second phase of the Zhangzhou Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian province.
On September 14, the project was approved at the meeting chaired by Li Keqiang, the Prime Minister of the State Council of the PRC.
“In order to improve the energy security and maintain the “green” development, projects of Zhangzhou NPP (the second stage) in Fujian and Liangjiang NPP in Guangdong (the first stage) were approved of at the meeting. These projects have been included in the plan and have strong conditions for the development,” said state news agency Xinhua.
Two CAP1000 units (the Chinese version of AP1000) are planned for phase I of the Liangjiang NPP, a project of State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC). Four more CAP1000 units are provided for the second phase of the project.
SPIC, being one of three main designers and operators of the NPPs in China, has a total installed capacity of 8.09 GW. Six operating nuclear power units, four power units under construction and several of reserved sites for future projects belong to the corporation.
In May 2014, local authorities approved of the construction of the first phase of the Zhangzhou NPP, including two CAP1000 power blocks. In December 2015, the National Nuclear Security Administration permitted the development of AP1000 units and the choice of the site was confirmed in October 2016. The construction of the Phase I was originally expected to start in May 2017. However, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) decided to use instead a HPR1000 (Hualong One). Two more Hualong One blocks are planned for the second stage of the station, and two more - for the third stage.
The construction of the first Zhangzhou power unit started in October 2019, and the second power unit was implemented for development in September 2020. Commissioning of the units into commercial operation is scheduled for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
In October 2020 CNNC assessed the environmental influence of the power units No. 3 and No. 4 of Zhangzhou NPP.
The project belongs to the energy company CNNC-Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Company, which was created by CNNC (51%) и China Guodian Corporation (49%).
In April, the State Council of China approved of the construction of two new power units at each of the Sanmen, Haiyang and Lufeng nuclear power plants in China. Power units No. 3 and No. 4 at the Haiyang NPP and power units No. 5 and No. 6 at the Lufeng NPP got a permit.
On September 14, the project was approved at the meeting chaired by Li Keqiang, the Prime Minister of the State Council of the PRC.
“In order to improve the energy security and maintain the “green” development, projects of Zhangzhou NPP (the second stage) in Fujian and Liangjiang NPP in Guangdong (the first stage) were approved of at the meeting. These projects have been included in the plan and have strong conditions for the development,” said state news agency Xinhua.
Two CAP1000 units (the Chinese version of AP1000) are planned for phase I of the Liangjiang NPP, a project of State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC). Four more CAP1000 units are provided for the second phase of the project.
SPIC, being one of three main designers and operators of the NPPs in China, has a total installed capacity of 8.09 GW. Six operating nuclear power units, four power units under construction and several of reserved sites for future projects belong to the corporation.
In May 2014, local authorities approved of the construction of the first phase of the Zhangzhou NPP, including two CAP1000 power blocks. In December 2015, the National Nuclear Security Administration permitted the development of AP1000 units and the choice of the site was confirmed in October 2016. The construction of the Phase I was originally expected to start in May 2017. However, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) decided to use instead a HPR1000 (Hualong One). Two more Hualong One blocks are planned for the second stage of the station, and two more - for the third stage.
The construction of the first Zhangzhou power unit started in October 2019, and the second power unit was implemented for development in September 2020. Commissioning of the units into commercial operation is scheduled for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
In October 2020 CNNC assessed the environmental influence of the power units No. 3 and No. 4 of Zhangzhou NPP.
The project belongs to the energy company CNNC-Guodian Zhangzhou Energy Company, which was created by CNNC (51%) и China Guodian Corporation (49%).
In April, the State Council of China approved of the construction of two new power units at each of the Sanmen, Haiyang and Lufeng nuclear power plants in China. Power units No. 3 and No. 4 at the Haiyang NPP and power units No. 5 and No. 6 at the Lufeng NPP got a permit.
Kazakh fund "Samruk-Kazyna" will attract an international pool of investors for the construction of a 2.4-gigawatt nuclear power plant by 2032
The construction of the NPP in Kazakhstan should be conducted by the international pool of investors. This news was announced by Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Kazakh JSC "Samruk-Kazyna", during the briefing on Thursday.
“Overall, the government, head of the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" and the Ministry of Energy have an opinion that the project should be implemented by the international pool of investors, which will help to take into account all the best technologies,” said Satkaliyev.
According to him, Rosatom, the Chinese company CNNC, the Korean company KHNP and the French company EDF are considered to be the suppliers of the so-called “nuclear island”.
“Each of these decisions has its advantages, disadvantages, the experience in implementing, including international projects. The generating equipment, in our view, should be mainly provided by General Electric, CNNC and the Korean company KHNP. Probably, the equipment of one of these three companies will be used for the construction of the NPP,” claimed the head of the Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”.
He noted that the final decision will be made by the government. The main priority - is the use of the most reliable technologies.
The Kazakh fund "Samruk-Kazyna" has launched a project to build a nuclear power plant in the country by 2032.
“The key energy project is the project for the construction of the basic source of energy in the south of the country. According to the forecasting energy balance, the NPP with a capacity of 2400 MW should be built by 2032. Therefore, the Fund has started the government-led implementation of the project,” claimed Satkaliyev.
Previously, Bolat Akchulakov, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, said that the technology of the NPP construction had not been chosen yet. It is going to be done at the end of 2022, or at the beginning of 2023. The Ministry continues to work on the assessment of the site, selected for the nuclear power plant in the village of Ulken in the Alma-Ata region.
“Overall, the government, head of the National Welfare Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" and the Ministry of Energy have an opinion that the project should be implemented by the international pool of investors, which will help to take into account all the best technologies,” said Satkaliyev.
According to him, Rosatom, the Chinese company CNNC, the Korean company KHNP and the French company EDF are considered to be the suppliers of the so-called “nuclear island”.
“Each of these decisions has its advantages, disadvantages, the experience in implementing, including international projects. The generating equipment, in our view, should be mainly provided by General Electric, CNNC and the Korean company KHNP. Probably, the equipment of one of these three companies will be used for the construction of the NPP,” claimed the head of the Fund “Samruk-Kazyna”.
He noted that the final decision will be made by the government. The main priority - is the use of the most reliable technologies.
The Kazakh fund "Samruk-Kazyna" has launched a project to build a nuclear power plant in the country by 2032.
“The key energy project is the project for the construction of the basic source of energy in the south of the country. According to the forecasting energy balance, the NPP with a capacity of 2400 MW should be built by 2032. Therefore, the Fund has started the government-led implementation of the project,” claimed Satkaliyev.
Previously, Bolat Akchulakov, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, said that the technology of the NPP construction had not been chosen yet. It is going to be done at the end of 2022, or at the beginning of 2023. The Ministry continues to work on the assessment of the site, selected for the nuclear power plant in the village of Ulken in the Alma-Ata region.
Rosatom provided the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research with the sample material of the isotope of Zirconium Zr-96.
Rosatom provided the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research with the sample material of the isotope of Zirconium Zr-96.
Isotope JSC, an Integrator of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation in the distribution and marketing of isotope products, supplied unique sample materials of the isotope of Zirconium Zr-96 to Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna. The isotope Zr-96, created at the facilities of JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant (Rosatom group), will be used in laboratory research in physics, particularly in research in the area of neutrinos, fundamental particles.
“The supply is the result of fruitful cooperation between Isotope JSC, JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant and JINR. We hope that our collaboration will help us to do several international scientific experiments in studying the physical properties of the universe and will lead to new important discoveries,” noted Maxim Kushnarev, chief executive officer of Isotope JSC.
Evgeny Yakushev, Head of the Department of Nuclear Spectrometry and Radiochemistry, DLNP JINR, told the media about the research objectives:
“In collaboration with Isotope JSC the unique sample material of enriched Zr-96 was created. It will let us conduct studies of the neutrino mode of double beta decay of this isotope and the search for the neutrinoless mode at new sensitivity levels. The spectrometric search of the neutrinoless mode of double beta decay links nuclear physics and astrophysics and cosmology. The existence of this mode of decay will help to understand the fact of the existence of the universe, which has become possible thanks to asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Several theoretical models, explaining this asymmetry, require another mechanism of gaining neutrino mass, which allows the neutrinoless decay. This is extremely new and interesting physics.”
“JINR has a huge experience in conducting experiments to study double beta decay. Research requires not only an enriched isotope, with which Isotope JSC helps us, but also its unique purity in terms of various impurities. Methods for the determination of impurities will be studied by DLNP JINR,” – added Dmitry Filosofov, Head of the Radiochemistry Sector, DLNP JINR.
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is going to explore the sample purity of isotopes and to publish the results in the near future. When a high quality of Zr-96 is confirmed, it may be used in various international scientific projects and the possible total sales will be up to tens of kilograms per year.
Sergey Karaulov, Deputy General Director for the Development of Non-Nuclear Businesses of JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant, emphasized:
““Do not stop there” – is the motto of the company, creating isotopes of zirconium. This is already the 22nd element of the periodic table of Mendeleev in the competence of the isotope enrichment of the enterprise. This success has become possible thanks to the joint efforts and efficient work of the enterprise with the commercial unit in conjunction with the industry-specific Integrator Isotope JSC”.
Isotope JSC, an Integrator of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation in the distribution and marketing of isotope products, supplied unique sample materials of the isotope of Zirconium Zr-96 to Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna. The isotope Zr-96, created at the facilities of JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant (Rosatom group), will be used in laboratory research in physics, particularly in research in the area of neutrinos, fundamental particles.
“The supply is the result of fruitful cooperation between Isotope JSC, JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant and JINR. We hope that our collaboration will help us to do several international scientific experiments in studying the physical properties of the universe and will lead to new important discoveries,” noted Maxim Kushnarev, chief executive officer of Isotope JSC.
Evgeny Yakushev, Head of the Department of Nuclear Spectrometry and Radiochemistry, DLNP JINR, told the media about the research objectives:
“In collaboration with Isotope JSC the unique sample material of enriched Zr-96 was created. It will let us conduct studies of the neutrino mode of double beta decay of this isotope and the search for the neutrinoless mode at new sensitivity levels. The spectrometric search of the neutrinoless mode of double beta decay links nuclear physics and astrophysics and cosmology. The existence of this mode of decay will help to understand the fact of the existence of the universe, which has become possible thanks to asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Several theoretical models, explaining this asymmetry, require another mechanism of gaining neutrino mass, which allows the neutrinoless decay. This is extremely new and interesting physics.”
“JINR has a huge experience in conducting experiments to study double beta decay. Research requires not only an enriched isotope, with which Isotope JSC helps us, but also its unique purity in terms of various impurities. Methods for the determination of impurities will be studied by DLNP JINR,” – added Dmitry Filosofov, Head of the Radiochemistry Sector, DLNP JINR.
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research is going to explore the sample purity of isotopes and to publish the results in the near future. When a high quality of Zr-96 is confirmed, it may be used in various international scientific projects and the possible total sales will be up to tens of kilograms per year.
Sergey Karaulov, Deputy General Director for the Development of Non-Nuclear Businesses of JSC Zelenogorsk Electrochemical Plant, emphasized:
““Do not stop there” – is the motto of the company, creating isotopes of zirconium. This is already the 22nd element of the periodic table of Mendeleev in the competence of the isotope enrichment of the enterprise. This success has become possible thanks to the joint efforts and efficient work of the enterprise with the commercial unit in conjunction with the industry-specific Integrator Isotope JSC”.
The largest Russian generating company Rosenergoatom celebrates its 30th anniversary!
The largest Russian generating company Rosenergoatom celebrates its 30th anniversary!
Rosenergoatom Concern (a part of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation) celebrates the anniversary on September 8, 2022. Several disparate Russian NPPs were united in single organization exactly 30 years ago.
Who are we today?
· The largest generating company in Russia, taking the 1st place in total electricity generation and the 2nd place in the world by the NPP installed capacity
· The only nuclear power plant operator in Russia and one of the largest players in the Russian electricity market
· 11 active NPPs with 37 power units with a total installed capacity over 29,5 GW (including floating nuclear power station)
· The share of nuclear generation in Russia is about 20% of the total electricity production.
What are we producing?
The main activity of the company is the production of electricity and thermal energy from nuclear power plants.
The total electricity generation by Russian NPPs amounted to 222.437 billion kWh in 2021, which exceeded the record value set by all nuclear power plants in the USSR in 1988.
By September 7th Russian NPPs had produced almost 150 billion kWh of electricity, exceeding the FAS Russia's plan by 2.36%.
What have we done in 30 years?
Since the establishment of Rosenergoatom in 1992:
· 4.6 trillion kWh of energy have been generated - this exceeds the total electricity consumption of the entire country for 4 years.
· 12 power units and the northernmost NPP in the world have been constructed. The nuclear power plant is located in Chukotka, this is the unique floating nuclear power station, a part of two reactor systems. Over 1.1 million tons of fish have been released into the ponds near power stations, as a part of realization of the environmental program.
What is happening now?
· The construction of the Kursk-II NPP, which is being built in accordance with the advanced innovative project VVER-TOI, continues. This summer, the main event of the year was taken place – a reactor vessel was installed in its intended position at the 1st power unit.
· Preparatory work at the site of the future power units No.7 and No.8 at the Leningrad NPP and power units No. 1 and No. 2 at the Smolensk NPP started in August this year.
· We produce more than 20% of the global consumption of Cobalt-60, which is used for medical device sterilization.
· The concern took the sixth place in Russia in terms of racks of Data Processing Centers (DPCs), which have been put into operation. Nowadays, three Data Processing Centers are already operating. Among them are: the Kalininsky data center in the Tver region, the Xelent data center in St. Petersburg and the StoreData data center in Moscow. Five construction sites of DPCs in various regions of the country are under development. Arktika data center is planned to be launched the at the site of the Kola NPP in the Arctic in 2023.
How do we influence the regions of presence?
Atomic generation is one of the main types of "green" carbon-free energy. Russian NPPs prevent the atmosphere from more than 100 tons of the CO2 (this amount of carbon dioxide would enter the atmosphere, if the electricity was produced by thermal power stations).
Being one of the largest plants of electric power industry, the Concern influences socio-economic well-being of society at both the regional and global levels.
Rosenergoatom transferred over 21 billion rubles in taxes to the budgets of the region of presence of operating NPPs (the amount is calculated without paying income tax the consolidated group of taxpayers Rosatom companies, which include the Concern).
Rosenergoatom Concern (a part of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation) celebrates the anniversary on September 8, 2022. Several disparate Russian NPPs were united in single organization exactly 30 years ago.
Who are we today?
· The largest generating company in Russia, taking the 1st place in total electricity generation and the 2nd place in the world by the NPP installed capacity
· The only nuclear power plant operator in Russia and one of the largest players in the Russian electricity market
· 11 active NPPs with 37 power units with a total installed capacity over 29,5 GW (including floating nuclear power station)
· The share of nuclear generation in Russia is about 20% of the total electricity production.
What are we producing?
The main activity of the company is the production of electricity and thermal energy from nuclear power plants.
The total electricity generation by Russian NPPs amounted to 222.437 billion kWh in 2021, which exceeded the record value set by all nuclear power plants in the USSR in 1988.
By September 7th Russian NPPs had produced almost 150 billion kWh of electricity, exceeding the FAS Russia's plan by 2.36%.
What have we done in 30 years?
Since the establishment of Rosenergoatom in 1992:
· 4.6 trillion kWh of energy have been generated - this exceeds the total electricity consumption of the entire country for 4 years.
· 12 power units and the northernmost NPP in the world have been constructed. The nuclear power plant is located in Chukotka, this is the unique floating nuclear power station, a part of two reactor systems. Over 1.1 million tons of fish have been released into the ponds near power stations, as a part of realization of the environmental program.
What is happening now?
· The construction of the Kursk-II NPP, which is being built in accordance with the advanced innovative project VVER-TOI, continues. This summer, the main event of the year was taken place – a reactor vessel was installed in its intended position at the 1st power unit.
· Preparatory work at the site of the future power units No.7 and No.8 at the Leningrad NPP and power units No. 1 and No. 2 at the Smolensk NPP started in August this year.
· We produce more than 20% of the global consumption of Cobalt-60, which is used for medical device sterilization.
· The concern took the sixth place in Russia in terms of racks of Data Processing Centers (DPCs), which have been put into operation. Nowadays, three Data Processing Centers are already operating. Among them are: the Kalininsky data center in the Tver region, the Xelent data center in St. Petersburg and the StoreData data center in Moscow. Five construction sites of DPCs in various regions of the country are under development. Arktika data center is planned to be launched the at the site of the Kola NPP in the Arctic in 2023.
How do we influence the regions of presence?
Atomic generation is one of the main types of "green" carbon-free energy. Russian NPPs prevent the atmosphere from more than 100 tons of the CO2 (this amount of carbon dioxide would enter the atmosphere, if the electricity was produced by thermal power stations).
Being one of the largest plants of electric power industry, the Concern influences socio-economic well-being of society at both the regional and global levels.
Rosenergoatom transferred over 21 billion rubles in taxes to the budgets of the region of presence of operating NPPs (the amount is calculated without paying income tax the consolidated group of taxpayers Rosatom companies, which include the Concern).
A nuclear reactor for working in space was tested in China
Space News announced that the nuclear reactor, dedicated to energy generation and movement in outer space, was successfully tested in China.
“The reactor was designed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and can produce one megawatt of electricity for spacecraft power supply and propulsion,” says the publication.
The comprehensive effectiveness of the project was assessed by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China on August 25th. Meanwhile, information about installing, which the Chinese press initially published, has subsequently been deleted.
According to the source of information, the same projects are also developed in other countries.
In July, Vladimir Koshlakov, chief executive officer of Keldysh Research Center, claimed that the production of the “standard” nuclear transport and energy module “Zeus” would become possible after testing of drip-emitter cooler. Tests will be carried out on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
In May 2018, NASA announced at a press conference that successful testing of the Kilopower nuclear reactor, which should be used for crewed Mars and Moon missions, was carried out.
Source: Lenta.ru
“The reactor was designed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and can produce one megawatt of electricity for spacecraft power supply and propulsion,” says the publication.
The comprehensive effectiveness of the project was assessed by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China on August 25th. Meanwhile, information about installing, which the Chinese press initially published, has subsequently been deleted.
According to the source of information, the same projects are also developed in other countries.
In July, Vladimir Koshlakov, chief executive officer of Keldysh Research Center, claimed that the production of the “standard” nuclear transport and energy module “Zeus” would become possible after testing of drip-emitter cooler. Tests will be carried out on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
In May 2018, NASA announced at a press conference that successful testing of the Kilopower nuclear reactor, which should be used for crewed Mars and Moon missions, was carried out.
Source: Lenta.ru
The key-stage of manufacturing a steam generator for the Kudankulam nuclear power plant was finished at Atommash.
The specialists of Attomash have completed welding the bottoms of steam generator for the Kudankulam NPP power unit No. 5.
Supporting elements and 11 thousand heat-exchange batteries were pre-assembled into the generator. After that, an automatic welding under heat were held at a temperature of 120-250 degrees above zero during 7 days. It took 660 kg of wire and 935 kg of flux to weld two seams. Local heat treatment of welded seams and the technical control, including hydrotest and eddy current testing of tube heat exchanger, will be carried out soon.
A steam generator is a heat exchanger, a part of the reactor system. The length of the apparatus is 14 meters, diameter is 4 m, weight is 350 tons. The equipment of one power-unit includes four steam generators.
The Hungarian regulator (OAH) granted Rosatom a license to construct two power units - VVER-1200 at the Paks II NPP
As a result of the review of project documentation on August 26th, 2022, Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (OAH) allowed Rosatom to construct two up-to-date power units Generation III+ VVER-1200 at the Paks nuclear power plant. The license for the construction of this type of power units was issued for the first time in the European Union. It means that the process of building a power unit No. 5 and a power unit No. 6 at the Paks NPP enters the active phase.
Licensing for construction process confirms the compliance of new power blocks to European safety standards. Up-to-date automated active and passive safety systems and double reinforced concrete shell will be used at the NPP. Moreover, a molten core catcher, which is used to hold radioactive materials in the active zone in the very unlikely case of an accident, will be installed.
“Today, the active phase of building the Paks NPP has started. Licensing confirms that all strict European and Hungarian standards are complied. It is quite possible that Hungary will have two nuclear units in 2030 to ensure the stability of energy supply,” noted Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“In conjunction with Hungarian partners, a tremendous amount of work in preparation of documentation was done. Obtaining a license indicates a high level of trust to VVER-1200, which has proven to be safe and trustworthy. We are sure that the Paks II NPP will be the guarantor for the energy sovereignty of Hungary and help European countries to achieve climate goals,” claimed Alexey Likhachev, chief executive officer of Rosatom.
“Issuance of the main licenses for the NPP construction will be a step towards building of the two most advanced and safe power units Generation III+ at the Paks nuclear power station. These power generators will supply Hungary by stable and inexpensive electricity until the end of this century,” said Alexander Merten, Vice President of ASE, project director of the Paks II NPP development.
Licensing for construction process confirms the compliance of new power blocks to European safety standards. Up-to-date automated active and passive safety systems and double reinforced concrete shell will be used at the NPP. Moreover, a molten core catcher, which is used to hold radioactive materials in the active zone in the very unlikely case of an accident, will be installed.
“Today, the active phase of building the Paks NPP has started. Licensing confirms that all strict European and Hungarian standards are complied. It is quite possible that Hungary will have two nuclear units in 2030 to ensure the stability of energy supply,” noted Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“In conjunction with Hungarian partners, a tremendous amount of work in preparation of documentation was done. Obtaining a license indicates a high level of trust to VVER-1200, which has proven to be safe and trustworthy. We are sure that the Paks II NPP will be the guarantor for the energy sovereignty of Hungary and help European countries to achieve climate goals,” claimed Alexey Likhachev, chief executive officer of Rosatom.
“Issuance of the main licenses for the NPP construction will be a step towards building of the two most advanced and safe power units Generation III+ at the Paks nuclear power station. These power generators will supply Hungary by stable and inexpensive electricity until the end of this century,” said Alexander Merten, Vice President of ASE, project director of the Paks II NPP development.
The government of Japan will change the course and continue the construction of new nuclear power plants
The Office of Fumio Kishida, the head of the government of Japan, announced that the authorities decided to reconsider their nuclear policy, which had been based on the abandon construction of new nuclear power plants in Japan.
The government will change the given course of the prohibition of new nuclear power plant construction, which was established after the accident at the NPP Fukusima-1. It is noted that the authorities will strive to reopen 7 NPP, which were closed after the tragic event. Besides this, the government will consider the possibility of the usage of the power units, that were utilized over 60 years.
The Cabinet of Ministers will also continue to develop and construct a new generation of nuclear reactors.
Public disconnect forced the government to abandon building nuclear power stations after the nuclear accident at Fukusima-1. The requirements for existing nuclear facilities were tightened. NPP had not only to strengthen infrastructure against any terroristic attack and natural disasters, but also to stop the usage of nuclear reactors over to 40 years. It is possible to reopen them after scrutiny and obtaining a permit. A nuclear power station will be allowed to function for no more than 20 years.
Nowadays 10 out of 17 nuclear power plants are partially operating in Japan.
Source: TASS
The government will change the given course of the prohibition of new nuclear power plant construction, which was established after the accident at the NPP Fukusima-1. It is noted that the authorities will strive to reopen 7 NPP, which were closed after the tragic event. Besides this, the government will consider the possibility of the usage of the power units, that were utilized over 60 years.
The Cabinet of Ministers will also continue to develop and construct a new generation of nuclear reactors.
Public disconnect forced the government to abandon building nuclear power stations after the nuclear accident at Fukusima-1. The requirements for existing nuclear facilities were tightened. NPP had not only to strengthen infrastructure against any terroristic attack and natural disasters, but also to stop the usage of nuclear reactors over to 40 years. It is possible to reopen them after scrutiny and obtaining a permit. A nuclear power station will be allowed to function for no more than 20 years.
Nowadays 10 out of 17 nuclear power plants are partially operating in Japan.
Source: TASS
A shop on manufacture of air ducts was opened at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is under construction in Turkish.
At the site of Akkuyu NPP was established a workshop for production of ductworks (metal pipes, which are used for the installation of ventilation systems). A subproduct zone, assembly operation, zones of welding and finished-product output were equipped there. Moreover, a place for cleaning welded seam of ductworks, made from carbon steel, were established.
A shop produces round ducts, air ducts of square section and rectangular ducts, which can be used in the main nuclear facilities – in reactor buildings, turbine buildings and other common-station buildings.
When the production is estimated the full power, the production facilities, necessary for the reliable operation of NPP with the use of Turkish steel, will reach 40 thousand square meters per year. Extremely high quality requirements are placed on the products. Quality control includes several steps. Ductworks can be installed only after the incoming inspection with participation of representatives of Akkuyu Nuclear.
First Deputy General Director of JSC Akkuyu Nuclear - director of the nuclear power plant under construction, Sergey Butskikh, claims:
“The decision to construct a shop on manufacture of air ducts at the construction site of NPP “Akkuyu was caused by the necessity to optimize the manufacturing time and terms for the supply of finished products in the sections of mechanical installation works. The experience in the construction of other NPP was taken into account during the preparation and project implementation of opening an air ducts shop. Nowadays a full production of ductworks is established.
The construction works are accelerated, and, as a result, the production level of necessary facilities increases. In the west of the construction site 7 batching plants operate. They supply the construction process of 4 energy units by the concrete at the same time. Besides, places for pre-assembly of reinforced concrete block, zone for keeping heavy equipment and chilled warehouses of inert matter are established. Since 2019, a reinforcement shop has been operating at the site. All the main types of steelworks, which are used for construction of NPP walls, are produced there.
The implementation of the construction project for the first nuclear power plant in Turkey, Akkuyu NPP, continues as usual. Construction and installation work is being carried out at all sections of the construction of the main and auxiliary facilities. Among them are: 4 energy units, onshore hydraulic structures, office buildings, training centers and facilities of physical protection of future NPP.
A shop produces round ducts, air ducts of square section and rectangular ducts, which can be used in the main nuclear facilities – in reactor buildings, turbine buildings and other common-station buildings.
When the production is estimated the full power, the production facilities, necessary for the reliable operation of NPP with the use of Turkish steel, will reach 40 thousand square meters per year. Extremely high quality requirements are placed on the products. Quality control includes several steps. Ductworks can be installed only after the incoming inspection with participation of representatives of Akkuyu Nuclear.
First Deputy General Director of JSC Akkuyu Nuclear - director of the nuclear power plant under construction, Sergey Butskikh, claims:
“The decision to construct a shop on manufacture of air ducts at the construction site of NPP “Akkuyu was caused by the necessity to optimize the manufacturing time and terms for the supply of finished products in the sections of mechanical installation works. The experience in the construction of other NPP was taken into account during the preparation and project implementation of opening an air ducts shop. Nowadays a full production of ductworks is established.
The construction works are accelerated, and, as a result, the production level of necessary facilities increases. In the west of the construction site 7 batching plants operate. They supply the construction process of 4 energy units by the concrete at the same time. Besides, places for pre-assembly of reinforced concrete block, zone for keeping heavy equipment and chilled warehouses of inert matter are established. Since 2019, a reinforcement shop has been operating at the site. All the main types of steelworks, which are used for construction of NPP walls, are produced there.
The implementation of the construction project for the first nuclear power plant in Turkey, Akkuyu NPP, continues as usual. Construction and installation work is being carried out at all sections of the construction of the main and auxiliary facilities. Among them are: 4 energy units, onshore hydraulic structures, office buildings, training centers and facilities of physical protection of future NPP.
Iran will train 20,000 specialists of nuclear energy in 20 years.
“Iran is going to train no less than 20 thousands of new specialists in nuclear industry in 20 years,” claimed Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, writes TASS.
According to Eslami:
“AEOI in cooperation with the Ministry of Education decided to expand the work of educational centers of nuclear industry in the areas where the relevant objects operate.” He added that nuclear fuel cycle had nothing in common with bombs.
The authorities emphasized the peaceful nature of the nuclear project. On August 2, the official representative of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization - Behruz Kamalvandi, said that Iran does not need nuclear weapons. It means that Iran is not aimed at creating a nuclear bomb.
Source: Oreanda
According to Eslami:
“AEOI in cooperation with the Ministry of Education decided to expand the work of educational centers of nuclear industry in the areas where the relevant objects operate.” He added that nuclear fuel cycle had nothing in common with bombs.
The authorities emphasized the peaceful nature of the nuclear project. On August 2, the official representative of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization - Behruz Kamalvandi, said that Iran does not need nuclear weapons. It means that Iran is not aimed at creating a nuclear bomb.
Source: Oreanda