When preparing for an extended lifespan, the Smolensk NPP has undergone a set of research, development, and engineering activities. Pavel Lubenskiy, the director of the Smolensk NPP said: ‘The 3rd power block management systems were completely upgraded and refurbished from the technology prospective. We have conducted a global modernization with thousands of technically complex operations to replace the equipment that has exhausted its performance potential and to implement special new-generation special safety systems, among other things. We have laid over 2,000 km of wires, installed over 2,000 equipment sets. All planned works were completed timely and with due quality’.
The extension of the operating NPP power blocks’ lifespan is an effective best practice used worldwide. Keeping the existing park of reactor facilities is crucial for having enough time to prepare for the construction of the replacement capacities.
Since 2001, the lifespan of 27 Russian power blocks has been extanded. 3 of them have already exhausted their prolonged lifespan and are now being prepared for decommissioning. 3 other power blocks are scheduled to obtain the licenses from Rostekhnadzor until the end of 2019 – the 2nd power block of the Kola NPP, the 4th power block of the Novovoronezh NPP, and the 2nd power block of the Bilibino NPP.
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