First Power Transmission Line Commissioned at Smolensk NPP-2 Construction Site

The first power transmission line has been commissioned at the construction site of Russia's Smolensk NPP-2. The line will provide stable power supply and round-the-clock lighting for the construction and installation base, freeing on-site work from natural daylight constraints.

According to the project schedule, the construction site is currently connected to the 10 kV grid via a temporary scheme, with a switch to the permanent power supply system planned after the 110/10 kV permanent substation is put into operation. During construction, the contractor laid over 3 kilometers of cable and installed more than 60 transmission line towers under challenging weather conditions.

During the construction phase of the installation base, stable power supply plays a fundamental role in project progress. The site needs to complete the construction of rebar module and rebar cage fabrication workshops on schedule, establishing a complete preparation flow from metal processing to finished component delivery. These components will be used directly in the subsequent construction of the main structures of the nuclear power units.

The concrete placement for the reactor building foundation slab of Unit 1 at Smolensk NPP-2 is scheduled for March 2027. Following the "first concrete" pour, the project will transition from the preliminary preparation phase to the substantive construction phase of the main buildings.

Smolensk NPP-2 is planned to house two Generation III+ VVER-1200 pressurized water reactor units. According to the Russian power facility siting master plan, Unit 1 is scheduled for commissioning in 2033 and Unit 2 in 2035. Each unit has a design service life of no less than 60 years, with the potential for life extension up to 120 years.

Smolensk NPP is a nuclear power plant operated by Rosenergoatom, with three operating units, each with an electrical output of 1,000 MW. The station is located near the city of Desnogorsk in Smolensk Oblast, approximately 150 kilometers from Smolensk.