This is one of the most important operations as it clears the way to the next round of tests on the first circuit of the nuclear reactor. “By flushing systems and pipes of the first circuit with demineralized water, we check that there are no obstacles or debris inside,” explained Maxim Bogachko, Deputy Director for Heating and Installation at ASE. “In fact, we began preparations for pressure tests and circulation flushing of the reactor’s first circuit.” Pre-Operational Flushing follows an approved time schedule and cover 26 different systems. Constructed near the Belarusian town of Ostrovets (Astravets), the Belarus Nuclear Power Plant will have two VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 2,400 MW. The plant is based on the same design that is used for Novovoronezh II and Leningrad II. Unit 1 of Novovoronezh II has been put in operation and serves as a reference project for the Belarusian plant. VVER-1200 is an evolution of Generation III reactors and is fully compliant with international safety standards.