Stage-wise program of the power start-up involves a gradual rise of the reactor power from 1% to 50% and connection of the Unit to the grid at a power level of 40% and dynamic testing at a power level of 50%. Activities performed based on stage-wise program for power start up shall be finished by December, 2020.
Belarus NPP Unit 1 commissioning started on 7th August, 2020 when the first fuel assembly with fresh fuel was placed into the reactor pressure vessel. On October 11, at the stage of physical start-up, the reactor was brought to the minimum controlled power level (less than 1% of the rated power).
In total, more than 50 physical measurements were performed during the physical start-up stage, which confirmed that the nuclear and physical characteristics of the reactor comply with design parameters.
The 2-unit Belarusian NPP, with a total power capacity of 2,400 MW, is equipped with state-of-the-art, Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors. This is the country’s first NPP; it is being built in the Belarusian town of Ostrovets and is based on a Russian 3+ generation design that fully complies with international standards and the safety recommendations of the IAEA.
