Yesterday Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin looked on as the second reactor at the Rostov (Volgodonsk) Nuclear Power Plant was launched into full operation. Praising the work of the builders and engineers, the prime minister reminded them that under near-term plans, as many new reactors are to be built as had been in the USSR over the years of its existence.
Vladimir Putin's helicopter landed on the grounds of the Rostov (Volgodonsk) Nuclear Power Plant as its staff briefed journalists: do not cross the red line, do not distract the experts, and behave calmly.
The experts, clad in black, were lined up in front of control panels, and when Vladimir Putin entered, they sprang to attention. Vadim Sotnikov, the shift chief reported:
"Comrade Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, tests have been completed on unit 2. The safety systems are in action, radiation and fire safety are correct, and the load target has been reached. I ask your permission to start increasing the capacity."
"Go ahead," Putin replied.
"Start increasing the load," Mr Sotnikov commanded.
Lights flickered on the panels, signaling that the reactor's thermal capacity was increasing. When it reaches 35% of the nominal capacity, the reactor begins to produce enough steam to launch the turbine. From that moment on, it will start feeding power into the national grid.
After launching the reactor, the prime minister, accompanied by the head of Rosatom, Sergey Kiriyenko, went up to the engine room that overlooks the construction site of units 3 and 4, which are scheduled for completion in 2014 and 2017, respectively. However, according to Kiriyenko, Rosatom is ready to accelerate construction of the third unit by one year and of the fourth by two years.
"I am glad to see that everything has been done at the highest quality level. This is undoubtedly a success of the Russian nuclear power industry," the prime minister said.
The meeting on the construction of nuclear power plants addressed the future of the industry. There are plans to increase the share of nuclear power from the current 16% to 20% and then to 40% domestically. And even these figures are not the limit. According to the prime minister, Russia intends to build 26 more nuclear reactors – almost matching the construction completed in the entire history of the USSR (about thirty). "The Soviet Union built them over decades," Putin said. This time the deadlines will be much more stringent.
"We did not give up these development plans even in the difficult crisis period. This is a long-term objective that should not depend on economic fluctuations," said Mr Putin.
The federal budget earmarked more than 68 billion roubles for the construction of nuclear power plants this year. Rosenergoatom concern's investment programme in 2010 amounts to 175 billion roubles.
"That is a lot of money even by the standards of the nuclear industry, and it should be spent with maximum effect. Please report to me on what is being done to cut and optimize costs," Putin said.
Russian nuclear power builders also have international ambitions. In 2010, Russian experts will begin preparation for the second reactor to be built at the Tianwan nuclear power plant in China. The first reactor at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran is due to be launched this summer.
"We have a substantial book of orders, but we must move forward," Mr Putin commented. "I think we can well control 25% of the world market in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants."
It would be desirable not only to build but also to service and modernise existing power plants and deliver and dispose of spent nuclear fuel. Something has been done in this area already. Rosatom controls 40% of the world uranium enrichment market and 17% of the nuclear fuel market. These positions can only be strengthened with government support.
"We are talking among other things about targeted export credits, a practice that is already working. We are talking about increasing the capital of companies to bolster their positions in the field of international bids," Mr Putin said.
By Anastasia Savinykh