Smolensk NPP Successfully Conducts Emergency Drill Multi-Agency Coordination Tests Response Capabilities

On August 3, the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant successfully conducted an accident response drill, with the participation of the Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Assistance Team (OPAS) of Rosenergoatom and emergency service departments. The drill brought together nuclear power plant staff, the crisis center team of Rosatom, local fire departments, medical institutions, and government representatives from the city of Smolensk and the Yelnya district.

During the drill, all parties focused on practicing key tasks such as the alert and preparation of emergency response forces under non-routine conditions, organizing protective measures for personnel and local residents, and monitoring unit status and safety levels. The drill also included simulated firefighting, evacuation of enterprise employees, and medical treatment and transport of simulated casualties. Specialized mobile equipment, including mobile communication nodes, diesel generator sets, pumping stations, and local alert systems, was tested on site, and smooth information exchange among all participants was ensured.

The power units of the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant operated normally during the drill, and no interference with their operation was made. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, stated that safety is the core value of Rosatom, and ensuring nuclear safety and the life and health of employees and citizens has always been the top priority of the Russian nuclear industry. The industry has always maintained contingency plans for various emergency scenarios.

Accident response drills are regularly held at all nuclear power plants in Russia, aiming to improve the safety level of nuclear power plants, hone the ability of staff to take correct actions under non-standard conditions, improve measures to protect plant personnel and surrounding residents, and verify the effectiveness of emergency prevention and response measures as well as the readiness of nuclear power plant emergency teams. The Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Assistance Team (OPAS) is a safety structure designed to provide assistance and support to operating nuclear power plants in crisis situations. The team consists of operational personnel and experts who are highly qualified professionals representing 19 national ministries and agencies.