News from MINATOM 26 December, 2003

Bilibino NPP Marks its 30th Anniversary

These days Bilibino Nuclear Power Plant marks the 30th anniversary of commissioning of its first power unit.

The plant first provided power to the electric grid of the Chaun-Bilibino region of Chukotka in January 1974. Its last Unit 4 was commissioned in 1976. Bilibino nuclear thermoelectric power plant is a combined source of electric and thermal energy. It provides power supply to industrial sites and settlements in an autonomous manner.

Some years ago an integrated program was launched at Bilibino NPP to upgrade Unit 1 and extend its operation time. At first an assessment was made of safe load-bearing capabilities of the unit. Then unit’s systems and components were re-equipped and reconstructed, which will allow its safe operation during the next 15 years.

At the third phase of this program, which is being completed just now, technical solutions were formulated of how to upgrade the unit. These solutions were documented and submitted to Gosatomnadzor (Russian Regulatory and Safety Authority) to apply for a license for operating Unit 1 after expiration of the operation period established in the initial design. GAN is expected to issue this license in January 2004. After this, work will be continued following the same scheme to extend operation time of Unit 2.

Bilibino, Chukotka, Russia
Light-Water-Cooled, Graphite-Moderated Reactor (LGR)
Net Output: 12 MWe
Operable. Initial criticality: 12/1973. Commercial start: 04/1974.

Utility:  Rosenergoatom

Bilibino, Chukotka, Russia
Light-Water-Cooled, Graphite-Moderated Reactor (LGR)
Net Output: 12 MWe
Operable. Initial criticality: 12/1973. Commercial start: 02/1975.

Utility:  Rosenergoatom

Bilibino, Chukotka, Russia
Light-Water-Cooled, Graphite-Moderated Reactor (LGR)
Net Output: 12 MWe
Operable. Initial criticality: 12/1975. Commercial start: 02/1976.

Utility:  Rosenergoatom

Bilibino, Chukotka, Russia
Light-Water-Cooled, Graphite-Moderated Reactor (LGR)
Net Output: 12 MWe
Operable. Initial criticality: 12/1976. Commercial start: 01/1977.

Utility: Rosenergoatom