The Belarusian nucler power station. Photo courtesy Rosatom. Tests of technological safety systems have been completed at Unit 1 of the Belarusian nuclear power station, Russian plant supplier Atomstroyexport said.

The company, a division of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said the testing is one of the most important stages of the hot hydraulic functional tests, including a simulated leak in the primary system. The automatic startup of all four diesel generator sets that form part of the emergency system was also tested.

Russia is constructing and commissioning two VVER-1200 pressurised water reactors at the Belarus site and expects the first unit to be connected to the grid this year.

Press reports in Belarus have said Belarusian-1 is scheduled to begin commercial operation this year and Belarusian-2 in 2021. Construction of Unit 1 began in November 2013 and of Unit 2 in April 2014.

Last week, Rosatom said Belarusian-2 had been connected to the power supply, a step which will allow the full commissioning process to begin. Rosatom said the power supply is for the plant’s own needs and connection is being carried out in stages.

Date: Wednesday, 08 April 2020
Original article: nucnet.org/news/key-tests-completed-at-belarusian-1-4-2-2020