First concrete poured for turbine building foundation of Unit 3 VVER-1200 at Leningrad NPP Phase II

On September 9, 2026, concrete pouring began for the foundation of the turbine building of Unit 3 VVER-1200 at Leningrad NPP Phase II in Russia. Construction workers have completed the pouring of the central section of the future foundation, with concrete consumption approaching 5,000 cubic meters. This pour is the first stage of construction of the foundation structure for this building. According to the plan, the contractor will use nearly 5,000 tonnes of rebar and more than 20,000 cubic meters of high-strength concrete to build a monolithic foundation slab 2.5 meters high and more than 8,000 square meters in area. The related operations are currently being carried out simultaneously in 7 construction zones. Konstantin Khudyakov, head of the Leningrad NPP project at TITAN-2 Holding (TITAN-2), said that the foundation construction of the turbine building places high demands on concrete quality, pouring technology and curing conditions, especially in the first few days after pouring, when it is necessary to focus on controlling on-site temperature and humidity and preventing mechanical damage. After the concrete reaches design strength, the contractor will, together with the owner, use non-destructive testing methods to inspect the structure, including ultrasonic testing; at the same time, specimens made from the same batch of concrete will also be subjected to compressive tests on a hydraulic press to confirm that the foundation is capable of bearing the loads of walls, floors, piping and large operating equipment.

2026-09-10

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Restores External Power Supply

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has resumed receiving external electricity via the 330 kV Ferrospravnaya-1 transmission line. Previously, since August 20, the plant had relied on backup diesel generators to maintain essential on-site power for a duration of 19 days. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, stated that the plant has switched from diesel generator power to external power supply and is currently operating normally. The Zaporizhzhia NPP reported that following the restoration of the Ferrospravnaya-1 line, the backup diesel generators have been placed on standby. Rafael...

2026-09-08

Russian nuclear power plants generated 149.1 billion kWh of electricity in 2026 as of September 7

Rosenergoatom, a subsidiary of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), recently stated that as of September 7, Russian nuclear power plants had generated a cumulative total of 149.1 billion kWh of electricity in 2026. This output exceeds the target set for the same period by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) by 6.73%. Data previously released by the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) shows that from January to July this year, electricity generation at Russian nuclear power plants increased by 2.2% year-on-year, reaching 126 billion kWh. In 2025, Russian nuclear power plants generated a total of 218.35 billion kWh for the full year. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, stated that the company plans to exceed the government's electricity generation target for the full year of 2026. The target is no less than 214 billion kWh.

2026-09-08

Russia Says IAEA to Rotate Inspectors at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in About a Week

Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, said on September 7 that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is about to undergo a new round of personnel rotation. Likhachev stated that the 35th group of IAEA inspectors is expected to arrive at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in about a week. He noted that, as with previous rotation arrangements, the operation will be conducted within the territory of the Russian Federation to ensure safety. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is one of Europe's largest nuclear power facilities by installed capacity. The IAEA maintains a continuous on-site presence at the plant and conducts relevant nuclear safety and security observation activities through regular rotation of inspectors.

2026-09-08

Russia Plans to Build Floating Nuclear Power Plant Production Facility Near Murmansk

Rosatom is considering building its own production facility near Murmansk to complete the construction of floating nuclear power plants. The company believes that as related orders increase, the capacity of existing partners may struggle to meet future demand. Baltic Shipyard is one of Rosatom's key partners. The Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear power plant and four Project 22220 Arktika-class nuclear-powered icebreakers were all built at this shipyard. Currently, the two sides continue to maintain close cooperation, with a significant portion of Baltic Shipyard's orders related to Rosatom projects. Russia...

2026-09-04

Russia's Primorsky Krai Nuclear Power Plant Planned to Connect to Grid by 2031

Rosatom plans to connect the Primorsky Krai Nuclear Power Plant to the power grid by 2031. The company's CEO, Alexey Likhachev, stated on September 3 during the Eastern Economic Forum that the project is progressing according to established targets. Likhachev said Rosatom is working to ensure the first concrete pour for the plant's first unit is completed by the end of 2027. Under current plans, the project aims to achieve grid connection and power generation by 2031, with full commercial operation in 2032. He also noted that the Far East region, particularly Primorsky Krai, still lacks sufficient experience in nuclear energy utilization...

2026-09-04

Progress on Contract Work for Vietnam's Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant

Alexey Likhachev, President of Rosatom, stated on September 3 during the Eastern Economic Forum that contract work for the construction and operation of Vietnam's first nuclear power plant, Ninh Thuan 1, is progressing. Likhachev said that relevant contract documents are being expedited, with the goal of reaching legally binding agreements on the project timeline and configuration options. He noted that the VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactor has been selected as the technical solution for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant. Meanwhile, both sides are also conducting preliminary research work on a research reactor. Vietnam's National Assembly decided in December 2024 to restart the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project. The project was previously suspended in 2016. According to an intergovernmental agreement signed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to Russia in March this year, the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant will be built using advanced Russian technology and financed through a special loan provided by the Russian Federation.

2026-09-04

Russia Plans Floating Small Nuclear Power Plant in Yakutia

Andrey Petrov, First Deputy CEO for Nuclear Energy at Rosatom and President of JSC Atomstroyexport, stated that Russia's Ministry of Energy has supported the advancement of a floating small nuclear power plant project in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Petrov noted that according to the relevant master plan, the Yakutia small nuclear power plant needs to be completed by 2031. The new option currently under study involves converting the originally planned land-based nuclear power plant into a floating nuclear power plant. He said the floating option offers lower costs and shorter construction timelines, and can meet Yakutia's current electricity demand of approximately 106 MW...

2026-09-04

Armenia to Discuss New Nuclear Power Plant Options with Rosatom

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at a press conference on September 3 that Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, will visit Armenia in September, and the two sides will discuss possible options for constructing a new nuclear power plant within Armenia. Pashinyan noted that Armenia expects Likhachev's visit to bring forward Russia's specific proposals regarding the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia. He said that Armenia will prioritize economic viability and project pricing when selecting a nuclear power project, aiming to secure the most cost-effective construction plan. In May of this year, the Russian side had indicated...

2026-09-04

Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Project May Require Major Adjustments

According to sources familiar with Hungary's nuclear industry and discussions on the Paks II nuclear project, the new Hungarian government led by Peter Magyar believes that the Paks II project, based on Russia's Rosatom design, can only proceed if major adjustments are made. Sources said that due to factors such as ethics, technology, sanctions restrictions, licensing procedures, and existing contract terms, the Paks II project is difficult to continue under its original arrangement. However, industry insiders also believe that it would not be appropriate to abandon the project outright due to short-term sentiment or temporary setbacks. If more participants could be brought in,...

2026-09-04

Iran Plans to Advance Both a Large and a Small Nuclear Power Plant Project

Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, stated that the site of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has returned to a stable state, and Russian experts are gradually returning to the site to participate in the construction and maintenance of related units. According to Likhachev, 45 Russian personnel are currently at the Bushehr site, with about 30 more preparing to arrive. As planned, the number of Russian personnel on site will increase to 100 by September, mainly including construction project managers and supervision staff. While advancing existing projects, Russia and Iran are discussing new nuclear cooperation. Previously, the two sides had signed an agreement to build another large nuclear power plant...

2026-09-03

Rosatom and the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy Sign Contract for the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant

Document Defines the Responsibilities of the Russian and Kazakhstani Parties in the Future Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant Project

2026-09-03

Bulgaria Approves Procurement of Russian-Made Equipment for Kozloduy NPP

Bulgaria's government press office reported on September 2 that the government has issued a special permit to Kozloduy NPP, allowing it to procure equipment and materials from Russia necessary for the continued safe operation of the plant. The Bulgarian government stated that ensuring nuclear safety and accident-free power generation requires regular procurement of spare parts from the designers, engineers, and manufacturers of the plant's equipment. Since most systems and equipment at Kozloduy NPP originate from Russia, multiple contracts concerning the supply of equipment needed for the reliable and safe operation of Units 5 and 6 have been or are about to be signed with Russian suppliers. The government also authorized Bulgaria's National Electric Company to...

2026-09-03

Uzbekistan's Integrated Nuclear Power Plant Completes Reactor Building Foundation Pit Excavation

The press service of the President of Uzbekistan announced on September 2 that the integrated nuclear power plant project being built by Rosatom has completed the excavation of the reactor building foundation pit, with over 1 million cubic meters of earth removed in total. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on the progress of the nuclear power plant construction. The project was officially launched in June this year, and construction workers have already completed site excavation at the 100-hectare construction and installation base, pouring 916 cubic meters of foundation concrete. A total of 450 workers and 100 pieces of equipment are involved in the construction at the site, with a total project investment of $9.5 billion...

2026-09-03

Russia says it has not yet received an invitation for negotiations on Hungary's Paks II nuclear power plant

On September 2, Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), said during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that Rosatom has not yet received an invitation from the Hungarian government for negotiations on the construction project of the Paks II nuclear power plant. Likhachev stated that Rosatom has expressed its willingness to participate in discussions on project parameters in any civilized manner. He noted that the company has always placed the interests of its partners and clients in a position of priority and is prepared to provide explanations and justifications regarding the effectiveness of the project's technical solutions as well as related financial and economic impacts...

2026-09-03

Rosatom Plans to Discuss Floating Nuclear Power Plant Project with Indonesia

Alexey Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, said on September 2 that the company will continue talks with the Indonesian side on the construction of small-scale nuclear power plants during the Eastern Economic Forum, with a key focus on cooperation in floating nuclear power plants. Likhachev noted that Indonesia's economy is growing rapidly, its population continues to expand, and electricity demand is rising accordingly, while the country has shown strong interest in developing nuclear energy. He believes that Indonesia's geography, consisting of numerous islands with a long coastline, makes floating nuclear power plants practically applicable. According to him, floating nuclear power plants are a key area of international cooperation that Rosatom is advancing...

2026-09-03

Russia plans to launch main construction of Primorsky Krai NPP in 2027

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, said recently during the Eastern Economic Forum that the first concrete pour for the Primorsky Krai nuclear power plant is planned for 2027, with the first batch of electricity to be connected to the grid in 2032. Likhachev stated that relevant work is progressing toward these target timelines. Following conventional practice in nuclear power project construction, the first concrete pour is generally regarded as a key milestone marking the transition of a nuclear project into its main construction phase. During the same forum, Dmitry Demeshin, Governor of Khabarovsk Krai, proposed that consideration be given to building nuclear power plants in parallel in both Khabarovsk Krai and Primorsky Krai...

2026-09-03

Russian personnel to participate in routine maintenance of Unit 1 at Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev stated during the Eastern Economic Forum that Russian personnel plan to participate in the routine preventive maintenance work at Unit 1 of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which is scheduled to begin in mid-September. Likhachev said another group of workers has already arrived at the Unit 1 site of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. Nuclear fuel for replacing some fuel assemblies has also been delivered to Iran. In addition to participating in the construction of Units 2 and 3 at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Russian personnel will also provide services for the operating unit. According to him, 45 Rosatom employees are currently working at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with another...

2026-09-03

Uzbekistan Proposes Joint Venture to Manage Nuclear Power Plant Construction Project

The press service of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that Uzbekistan has proposed establishing a joint venture to manage the construction of a domestic nuclear power plant with the participation of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom). On September 2, Mirziyoyev was briefed on the progress of the comprehensive nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region and the construction of a supporting modern satellite city. According to the relevant arrangements, to improve project management, strengthen technical control, and conduct independent reviews of technical solutions, Uzbekistan plans to establish a joint venture in cooperation with leading foreign engineering companies. The statement also noted that the project will promote the alignment of relevant standards with Uzbekistan's national system, with plans to introduce approximately 100...

2026-09-03

Russia's Smolensk NPP begins loading improved nuclear fuel

On September 1, 2026, local time, Unit 1 of Russia's Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant began gradually loading improved nuclear fuel. The fuel assemblies feature adjusted uranium-235 enrichment and erbium oxide content, as part of the RBMK-1000 reactor modernization program aimed at enhancing unit operational safety and efficiency. The Smolensk NPP is part of the electric power division of Rosatom and is operated by Rosenergoatom. The fuel assemblies loaded into the core this time use lower uranium-235 enrichment and lower erbium oxide content. According to relevant calculations, the new fuel can compensate for changes in core neutronics parameters following graphite stack repair...

2026-09-02

Putin Says Unit 1 of Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Expected to Start in 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he believes Rosatom can start Unit 1 of Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as scheduled in 2026. According to relevant information, Putin arrived in Kyrgyzstan on August 31 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. On September 1, he held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During the talks, the two sides mentioned cooperation in the energy sector, with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project being a key focus. Putin stated that the two countries' major joint projects are still progressing, including the well-known Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant...

2026-09-02