Name of the Project
Ostrovets nuclear power plant project.

Location
The project is located in Grodno, Belarus.

Project Owner/s
Rosatom.

Project Description
The project entails the construction of the first nuclear power plant to be constructed in Belarus. It involves the construction of two 1 200 MW nuclear power reactors.

The plant will be fitted with cutting-edge accident-protection systems.

The so-called core melt trap will be installed at the power units. This is a unique Russian invention and confines melted products if the reactor core melts down. The nuclear power plant is expected to produce about 25% of the electricity that Belarus needs.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
$10-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
Preliminary construction work began at the site in April. The reactors are scheduled for commissioning in 2020 and 2021.

Latest Developments
Hot tests have been completed at Unit 1. The Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has said the milestone was an important stage in preparing the unit for commissioning.

At a pressure in the primary circuit of 160kg/cm² and at more than 280 ºC, the performance of all four main circulation pumps has been tested, the main steam pipelines have been flushed out with their own steam, and the control and protection systems of the reactor installation and auxiliary power supply have been checked.

Testing of the main safety valves of the steam generators, pressure compensator and many other operations have also been conducted.

Hot testing began on December 11, 2019, and involved 242 tests, the main purpose of which was to confirm the compliance of the nuclear island’s systems and equipment with the reactor’s design characteristics when operating at rated parameters, as well as during heating and cooling of the switchgear before the power unit starts up.

The next stage in preparing the unit for physical start-up includes an audit of the main and auxiliary equipment of the primary and secondary circuits, which is scheduled to be completed in mid-June.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Atomstroyexport (nuclear reactors).

Contact Details for Project Information
Rosatom communications department,  tel +7 499 949 4412, fax +7 499 949 2722 or email press@rosatom.ru.