The Leningrad NPP launched a comprehensive testing program for power unit No. 6 at its rated power. The new 3+ gen nuclear giant, VVER-1200, is to be operated successfully for 15 days running, this being the final chord of the pilot operation.

“These tests are a criterion for the success of the entire stage of pilot operation, which lasts more than 140 days at the unit,” noted Aleksandr Belyaev, chief engineer of Leningrad NPP-2. - "We started these works strictly according to the schedule, and this indicates that the commissioning of the power unit is going according to plan. During the 15-day comprehensive testing of the power unit at 100% capacity, all equipment and systems of the power unit must function efficiently, reliably and safely, as provided for by the requirements of the technological regulations and in full compliance with the design. Only after that can we be sure that the new power unit of the Leningrad NPP is fully ready for commissioning and bearing a stable load in accordance with the project for 60 years of operation.

Recall that on October 22, 2020, the VVER-1200 power unit No. 6 was first included in the country's unified energy system and in 4 months successfully passed the stage-by-stage development of the design capacity at all stages of power start-up and pilot operation.

After the unit has operated for 15 days without any issues, it will continue to operate at the nominal power level until an opinion is received on the compliance of the constructed power unit No. 6 of the Leningrad NPP with the requirements of the technical regulations and design documentation. This conclusion is the basis for putting the power unit into commercial operation, scheduled for spring 2021.

Currently, power units No. 3 and 5 are in operation. Units No. 1, 2 were shut down for decommissioning, No. 4 is in scheduled maintenance, and No. 6 is at the stage of pilot operation.