Russian nuclear power plants generate 129.6 billion kWh of electricity this year

Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, stated on August 7 that Russian nuclear power plants have maintained stable operation during the recent hot weather. Since the beginning of this year, Russian nuclear power plants have generated a cumulative total of 129.6 billion kWh of electricity, exceeding the relevant plan of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of the Russian Federation by 7.8%.

Likhachev said that during the current summer peak electricity consumption period, Russian nuclear power plants are generating electricity normally and safety requirements are being met. Even under abnormally high temperature conditions, the relevant units can operate safely and reliably at rated power. He stated that hot weather requires operating entities to pay greater attention to the status of cooling systems, but for Russian nuclear power plants, this is a seasonal factor that requires focused management.

According to reports, Rosatom fully considers climate condition changes, including the impact of extreme weather, in the design and operation of nuclear power plants. The company operates the Kola Nuclear Power Plant, Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant, and floating nuclear power plants in cold regions, and also has nuclear projects in temperate zones and hot, arid regions, including the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt. Different projects are designed based on site-specific conditions, with primary consideration given to natural factors such as temperature, hydrology, wind conditions, water supply, and seismic activity.

Likhachev stated that nuclear power plants do not rely on a single universal technology to cope with adverse meteorological conditions such as high temperatures and low water levels, but rather on a comprehensive set of engineering solutions configured for local conditions. For nuclear power plants, reliably removing heat from turbine condenser systems is crucial, and Rosatom has developed multiple cooling technology approaches.

He explained that low water levels and drought are not insurmountable obstacles for modern Russian-designed nuclear power plants. Relevant plants can use once-through cooling systems that draw water from external sources and discharge it after use, or recirculating cooling systems that reuse cooling water in a closed loop. Equipment currently used at Russian nuclear power plants includes evaporative cooling towers, forced-draft cooling towers, and spray ponds.

Automated systems also play an important role in new construction and modernization projects. Control systems can monitor key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and coolant flow rate in real time. At multiple newly constructed nuclear power plants, automated systems can not only identify parameter deviations but also assist in optimizing equipment operating modes, reducing the risk of abnormal conditions escalating into critical situations.

Likhachev cited examples: each unit at the Novovoronezh II Nuclear Power Plant is equipped with an evaporative cooling tower approximately 171 meters tall; the cooling towers at the Kursk II Nuclear Power Plant reach 179 meters in height, with heat dissipation capacity increased by approximately 22%. The Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant and Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant use cooling systems that include spray ponds.

The Rostov Nuclear Power Plant is one of Russia's southernmost nuclear power plants, where summer temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius and soil temperatures can reach 60 degrees Celsius. After the plant reached full-load operation, process water temperatures at Units 3 and 4 exceeded optimal values during the hottest periods. To address this, the plant constructed a group of small forced-draft cooling towers, which were put into operation in 2021. These cooling towers work in coordination with the main cooling towers to enhance heat exchange capacity during peak temperature periods, ensuring stable unit operation.

Likhachev stated that similar supporting facilities for Unit 4 of the Rostov Nuclear Power Plant are under construction and are planned to be commissioned in 2027.