Novovoronezh NPP Unit 6 is virtually ready for the startup. Containment pressure and air tightness tests were successfully carried out in late December to mark the completion of the on-site construction and reactor equipment installation.

Cold and hot functional tests completed before had proved all the physical parameters of reactor systems. The cold and hot testing phase included 168 individual tests covering different process systems of the reactor unit.

A commission of the operator’s representatives verified the test results and signed a certificate that the unit is ready for the startup. Nuclear fuel has been already delivered to the station and, after the incoming acceptance, placed into a recently commissioned fresh fuel storage facility. An application has been sent to the regulator for an independent check of the nuclear station for the startup. Inspectors of Rostechnadzor (Russia’s regulatory authority) are expected to visit the site in the near future.

Rostov NPP Unit 4, now under construction, is being prepared for the installation of main circulation pumps. A generator stator has been installed in the turbine island of Rostov NPP Unit 4.

In the reactor island, workers are preparing to weld the main circulation circuit that will connect the first circuit equipment of the reactor unit, including the reactor itself, steam generators and main circulation pumps. Welding will begin this February. Much work has yet to be done in 2016 to finalize documents required to obtain an operating license for Unit 4. Unit 4 is scheduled for the startup in 2017.

The installation of a control room has started at Leningrad NPP Unit 1 – nearly 80% of the required equipment has been delivered to the control building. The control room is a center of control and operation of the reactor unit. It will be equipped with a great number of visual control systems, including supervisory control tools, a remote view display, safety system panels, normal operation controls and power generation control systems.