Fuel. The Leypunsky Institute of Physics and Power Engineering (part of Rosatom) started up a critical facility to study mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. Tests to validate the neutronic performance of a spectral shift control (VVER-S) reactor core are conducted as part of the Institute’s two-phase experimental program. Preliminary tests of the first phase will make the main-phase research more focused. Experimental programs related to the VVER-S reactor serve as a starting point for the development of MOX-fueled thermal neutron reactors cooled and moderated with water. MOX fuel pellets are made of depleted uranium oxide, and plutonium oxide extracted from spent nuclear fuel of power reactors. VVER-S is a 600 MW pressurized water reactor. What makes VVER-S different is the possibility of shifting the neutron spectrum to control the core reactivity during the fuel burnup by changing the water-fuel ratio, and complete abandonment of standby liquid control systems.

Construction sites. Engines of all four primary coolant pumps were idled step by step at Unit 1 of Turkey’s Akkuyu NPP. Making the pumps ready for operation is a prerequisite for the beginning of circulation flushing and hydraulic pressure tests, in which the primary circuit will be filled with desalinated water to check the tightness and robustness of all its parts. The four pumps will ensure coolant circulation in the reactor core during the power unit operation. The Akkuyu NPP will have the latest-generation primary coolant pumps designed for VVER-1200 reactors. They use water rather than oil for lubrication and cooling, which improves fire safety and reduces the number of bearings, making the pumps more reliable. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will have four power units with Russian-designed Generation 3+ VVER reactors.

Cooperation. Rosatom took part in India’s 14th Nuclear Energy Conclave, the oldest nuclear conference in the country. The event was attended by representatives of public and private Indian nuclear companies, and government bodies, including the Department of Atomic Energy and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Rosatom presented its technology and solutions for small-scale nuclear generation facilities with RITM-200 reactors. Small-scale nuclear generation is one of the most promising areas for the global nuclear industry as small modular reactors (SMRs) can ensure continuous supply of clean electricity and heat in remote areas. “We believe that the stable power generation costs and flexible range of installed capacity make SMRs a favorable solution for the Indian industry,” said Vijay Joshi, Deputy CEO at Rosatom’s regional office in India.