On June 26, 2019, at 12:35 PM, the innovative Novovoronezh NPP-2 2nd power block (the Novovoronezh NPP 7th power block) with a VVER-1200 reactor has reached 75% of its capacity. That said, the new 3+ generation power block has moved to the next phase of its low-power testing during the pilot production stage.

The pilot production is the final step before the commercial launch. This is a part of a huge set of activities divided into several sub-stages.

At first, 40-100% of the capacity is achieved, which is now followed by comprehensive trials of the power block’s equipment for 15 full days of 24/7 operation at 100% of their capacity. The deployment process encompasses trials at 40, 50, 75, 90 and 100% capacity.

Once the designated level of capacity is reached, guarantee (acceptance) tests and a full power block trial are carried out, which are then followed by operational acceptance.

It is important to note that the Novovoronezh NPP-2 2nd power block was powered up (so-called ‘power start-up’) on May 1, 2018. The Rostekhnadzor license for the pilot ptoduction of the 2nd power block was obtained on June 3, 2019. Afterward, the equipment trials in different modes began.

Nowadays, the equipment trials for the 7th power block are completed at 75% of their capacity. When each capacity milestone is reached, scheduled trials with load dump are performed at the power block.

All activities run according to the schedule, there have been no deviations from the plan.

The pilot production stage will be finalized after the successful trials at all capacity level, including the designated one of 100%, and following all acceptance tests. The new power block is to be commissioned late 2019.