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RUSSIAN FEDERATION

   (updated on Mar. 2009)

1.  ENERGY, ECONOMIC AND ELECTRICITY INFORMATION

1.1.  General Overview

Russia is a large country occupying the eastern part of Europe and the northern part of Asia. In the north the country is bounded by the Arctic Ocean, Finland being the farthest northwest neighbour. In the west and southwest, the country is surrounded by the new independent states, the former republics of the Soviet Union. In the south and southeast, Russia has a common border with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea. The eastern border of the country is the Pacific Ocean; here Japan and the Alaska state of the USA are the nearest neighbours.

The total area of Russia is about 17,075 thousand km2. The country consists of a large number of administrative units: regions (provinces) and republics. The regions of the country differ widely in territory, natural conditions, the structure and national composition of the population, and economic development. The climate of country is marked by very wide regional variations. A significant part of northeastern Russia falls within the frigid zone, while the Black Sea region has semitropical conditions.

Russia is abundant in energy resources of various kinds. The energy sector is a well-developed and important part of the national economy, producing about 10% of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Totally up to 95% of the country's energy consumption is met by fossil fuel. Despite its rich oil, gas and coal potential Russia was one of the first countries to master nuclear energy for peaceful uses. In 1954, the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned and connected to the grid.

According to the latest statistics, the population of Russia amounts to about 143 million (Table 1). The average population density is about 8.4 inhabitants per km2. This number greatly varies around the country: from more than 100 inhabitants per km2 for some regions in the European part of Russia through less than one for large territories in Siberia and the far northeast.

TABLE 1. POPULATION INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average annual growth rate (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

 

 

1980

1990

2000

2005

2006

2007

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Population (millions)

137.4

148

145.9

143.5

142.8

142.2

-0.3

 Population density (inhabitants/kmē)

 8.0

8.7

8.5

8.4

8.4

8.4

-02

 Urban Population as % of total

 69

74

73

72.9

72.9

72.9

-0.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Area (1000 kmē)                17 075.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Source:  IAEA Energy and Economic Database; Country Information, http://www.gks.ru/wps/portal/english

Economic Indicators

The historical data presented in Table 2 clearly reflect the economic crisis accompanying the process of economic transition reforms. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) values have been declining since 1990. Lately, there has been some improvement in the macro-economic parameters, but it is still too early to assert that the recovery from the crisis has finished. Figure 1 shows the GDP structure in 2007.

TABLE 2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average annual growth rate (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

 

 

 

1980

1990

2000

2005

2006

2007

     to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 GDP (billions of constant 2000 US$)

 

489.8

385.9

259.6

349.7

375.5

404.8

7.9

 GDP per capita (PPP* US$/capita)

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 GDP per capita (current US$/capita)

 

3 860

4 353

1 777

4 437

5 801

6 741

39.9

*PPP: Purchasing Power Parity                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Source: Russia in figures, Summary Statistical Transactions,  http://www.gks.ru/statinfo.asp

 

 

 

FIG.1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) structure in 2007.

Energy Situation

Energy reserves are shown in Table 3. Fossil fuels form the basis for the Russian energy sector. Table 4 gives the historical energy data. The share of nuclear energy in the energy supply is only 2%. Hydro energy, which currently is the only meaningful renewable energy resource in Russia amounts to about 3%.

TABLE 3.  ESTIMATED ENERGY RESERVES

 

Estimated energy reserves in

 

(Exajoule)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solid

Liquid

Gas

Uranium

Hydro

Total

 

 

 

 

(1)

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Total amount in place

4412.29

279.47

1620.43

76.93

269.92

6659.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) This total represents essentially recoverable reserves.

 

 

 

 

(2) For comparison purposes a rough attempt is made to convert hydro capacity to energy by multiplying

      the gross theoretical annual capability (World Energy Council - 2002) by a factor of 10.

 

Source:  IAEA Energy and Economic Data Base; Country Information.

1.2. Energy Policy

“The Energy Strategy of Russia” states priorities as well as means for the radical revision of structural and technological policies that pertain to the nation’s energy supply for the period 1995-2010. Its main goal is to achieve the European level of per capita energy consumption and ecological safety of population. Emphasis is placed upon the complex approach towards the solution of regional energy supply problems.

The structural policy of the energy sector for the next 10-15 years aims:

·       enhancement of the efficiency of natural gas utilization and an increase its share of domestic consumption, especially in ecologically strained regions;

·       in-depth processing and comprehensive utilization of hydrocarbon raw materials;

·       enhancement of the coal quality, as well as the stabilization of coal production volumes;

·       intensification of local and renewable energy resources development (hydro and wind power, peat, etc.);

·       priority in electricity generation development based on competitive and ecologically clean power plants;

·       safety and reliability enhancement of the first generations' NPPs and development of new advanced nuclear power plants.

The new technological energy policy is oriented toward:

·     radical enhancement of both the cost effectiveness and the energy efficiency of all stages of the extraction, conversion, distribution, and utilization of energy resources;

·      effective decentralization of the energy supply;

·      ecological and accident safety, as well as the reliability of the energy supply, and;

·     development of qualitatively new technologies for the stable evolution of power industry: ecologically clean coal-fired power plants, safe nuclear power plants, efficient processes for the utilization of new sources of power, etc.

Regional energy policy takes into account the existing principal differences of energy supply conditions and structures of fuel resources of various parts of Russia. Regional energy self-governing and self-consistency is envisaged as a major challenge, i.e., sustaining the unified national energy sector through the development of federal energy systems: electricity, gas and oil supply networks.

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS

                                                                                             Exajoule

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average annual

 

 

 

 

 

 

growth rate (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

 

1992

2000

2005

2006

2007

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Energy consumption

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total (1)

34.4 

27.8 

31.2

32.5

34.32

3.35

       - Solids (2)

7.7

5.24

 5.32

5.32

5.26

0.05

       - Liquids

9.5

7.53

9.18

9.64

11.35

7.24

       - Gases

14.5

13.19

14.63

15.38

 15.55

2.55

       - Nuclear

1.13

1.24

1.44

1.5

1.53

3.3

      - Hydro

0.6

0.595

0.63

0.63

0.63

0.71

      -Other renewables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Energy production

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total

48.2

40.74

49.87

51.16

51.61

3.8

       - Solids

7.8

5.6

6.5

6.74

6.86

3.2

       - Liquids

16.7

13.6

19.7

20.11

20.59

7.4

       - Gases

20.9

19.7

21.6

22.18

22

1.7

       - Nuclear

1.13

1.24

1.44

1.5

1.53

3.3

       - Hydro

0.6

0.595

0.63

0.63

0.63

0.71

      -Other renewables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Net import (Import - Export)

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total

-13.5

-13

-18.69

-18.7

-17.8

-5.2

       - Solids

N/A

-0.39

-1.18

-1.42

-2.1

59

       - Liquids

-7.3

-6.05

-10.5

-10.47

-9.2

-7.4

       - Gases

-6.2

-6.56

-7.01

-6.8

-6.5

1.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Net import (Import - Export) of secondary energy.

(2) Solid fuels include coal, lignite and commercial wood.

(3) Primary electricity = Hydro + Geothermal + Nuclear + Wind.

Source: IAEA Energy and Economic Database; Country Information.

                                                                                               

1.3. The Electricity System

 1.3.1 Policy and decision making process

·        Pricing and taxation constitute the core of the new energy policies. The liberalisation of oil, petroleum products and coal prices, which was undertaken in mid-1993, was not extended to the products of the so-called natural monopolies: natural gas, electric power, and heat from centralised sources. Prices for these energy sources are currently set by the federal regional government agencies responsible for the functions of the fuel and energy sector.

·       The creation of a competitive environment within the fuel and energy sector of the national economy will be directed towards reducing production costs and increasing the quality of energy related services. This will be accomplished though industry denationalisation, primarily through the joint-stock companies.

·      A system of incentives and conditions for the conservation of energy, as well as the increase in energy production efficiency, is needed in order to realize Russia’s vast potential for energy conservation.

·      Economic policies will be focused on the promotion of investment activities.

 1.3.2. Structure of electricity sector

·        Transmission and Distribution Sector.

There are seven separate regional power systems in the Russian electricity sector: Northwest, Centre, Middle Volga, North Caucasus, Urals, Siberia, and Far East. The Far East region is the only one not connected to an integrated power system. UES, which is 52 percent owned by the Russian government (Gazprom now has a 10% stake), controls most of the transmission and distribution in Russia. UES owns 96 percent of the transmission and distribution system, the central dispatch unit, and the federal wholesale electricity market (FOREM).

·       Unified Energy System

The UNIFIED ENERGY SYSTEM of RUSSIA (UESR) is a unique system, which creates significant economic benefits for both the Russian people and Russia's industry. The technical basis of UES of Russia is comprised of:

-   440 electric power stations with a total installed capacity of 219 thousand MW, including 23.2 thousand MW at nuclear power stations, which produced 1016 billion kW·h of power in 2007 year;

-   a total of 3,018 thousand km of electric power lines;

-   a supply regulation system that unites physically all power installations with a single 50 Hz current frequency.

 The organisational basis of UES of Russia is comprised of: 

-   RAO UESR, which acts as a central locus that implements the functioning and development criteria established by the government based  on effectiveness and provides operational supply management aimed at increasing economic efficiency at UESR;

-   74 power suppliers that supply electric and heat power to consumers throughout the Russian Federation;

-   34 large electric power stations that operate independently on the federal (national) wholesale electric power market;

-   Over 300 organisations providing technological back up and development for UES of Russia, and which ensure the viability of the  industry as a whole.

·          By 2010, Russia plans to construct five new units at existing facilities throughout the country. In November 2005, Russia installed a fourth turbine at the Bureya Hydroelectric Station in the Amur Province in the east, adding another 335 MW to the existing 670 MW. The first three units were installed during 2003-2004, and Russia hopes that the project will enable it to relieve electricity shortages in the Far East and begin more substantial exports to China.

·           Electricity Exports. Russia exports significant quantities of electricity to the countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as to China, Poland, Turkey and Finland. UES also has plans to export electricity to Iran and possibly Afghanistan and Pakistan from two hydroelectric stations it is currently building in Tajikistan. There are currently two efforts underway to integrate the Russian and Western European electricity grids. UES is participating in the Baltrel program, designed to create an energy ring of power companies in the Baltic states. Also, the Union for the Coordination of Transmission of Electricity (UCTE), of which 20 European countries are members, has entered into discussions with Russian colleagues over the technological and operational aspects of interconnecting their systems. In October 2003, officials representing Russia and the European Union agreed to develop plans for the full integration of their respective power grids by 2007, and a recent EU-Russia energy dialogue reported the start of a joint feasibility study on the integration of the two power systems.

The basic structure of the national electricity sector is presented in Figure 2. Federal and regional energy commissions are responsible for energy planning.


                                    Power Sector Structure in 2000

                                                                    FIG. 2. Basic Structure of the National Electricity Sector

 

1.3.3.  Main indicators

Table 5 shows the historical electricity production data and installed capacities and Table 6 the energy related ratios.

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average annual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

growth rate (%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2000

 

1970

1980

1990

2000

2005

2006

2007

To

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capacity of electrical plants (GWe)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Thermal

81.3

121.1

149.7

138.9

149.2

149.2

149.2

1.1

       - Hydro

23.0

35.1

43.4

44.4

46.1

46.1

46.1

0.55

       - Nuclear

0.8

9.2

20.2

21.2

23.2

23.2

23.2

1.3

       - Wind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Geothermal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - other renewable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total

105.1

165.4

213.3

204.5

219

219

219

1.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Electricity production (TW.h)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Thermal

373

622

797

568.5

629.2

664.1

680.7

2.8

       - Hydro

94

129

167

165.4

174.4

175

175.3

0.9

       - Nuclear

4

54

118

129

149.5

154.7

160

3.4

       - Wind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Geothermal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - other renewable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total (1)

470

805

1082

877.8

953.1

995.6

1016

2.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Electricity consumption (TW.h)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Thermal

N/A

N/A

791

559.3

619.9

642

658.2

2.7

       - Hydro

N/A

N/A

166

162.7

171.9

169.2

169.5

0.6

       - Nuclear

N/A

N/A

117

126.9

147.2

151.3

154.7

3.1

       - Wind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Geothermal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - other renewable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total (1)

N/A

N/A

1073.8

863.7

939

962.5

982.4

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Electricity losses are not deducted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Source:  IAEA Energy and Economic Database; Russia in figures, Summary Statistical Transactions.

TABLE 6. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

 

 

 

1970

1980

1990

2000

2005

2006

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Energy consumption per capita (GJ/capita)

160

250

260

190

214

228

242

 Electricity consumption per capita (kW.h/capita)

 

N/A

N/A

7311

5915

6544

6740

6909

 Electricity production/Energy production (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

7.75

6.87

7.01

7.1

 Nuclear/Total electricity (%)

0.74

6.71

10.91

15

15.7

15.7

15.6

 Ratio of external dependency (%) (1)

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

-48.1

-60

-58

-52

 Load factor of electricity plants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Total (%)

 

51

56

58

49

50

52

53

Thermal(%)

 

52

59

61

 

47

 

48

51

52

       - Hydro(%)

 

 

47

42

44

 

39

 

43

43

43.4

       - Nuclear(%)

 

57

67

67

 

69

 

72

75.4

77.7

       - Wind(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - Geothermal(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       - other renewable(%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Net import / Total energy consumption.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:  country information

2.  NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION

2.1.  Historical Development and current nuclear power organizational structure

2.1.1.  Overview

1937

Commencement of active experimental studies on the structure of atomic nuclei. Production of “pulse” amount of neptunium and plutonium in Leningrad Radium Institute.

1939

The start of research into the feasibility of achieving a nuclear chain reaction. Installation of the largest cyclotron in Europe in the Leningrad Physical and Technical Institute.

1940

Discovery of phenomenon of spontaneous nuclear fission in uranium. Theoretical demonstration by Soviet scientists of the feasibility of energy release from a uranium nuclear fission chain reaction.

1942

Recommencement of work on the atomic problem interrupted by the outbreak of the war.

1943

Creation of a special physics laboratory - the No. 2 Laboratory in Moscow (now the Russian Scientific Centre “Kurchatov Institute”).

1945

Establishment of a governmental interdepartmental body - the First Chief Administration to co-ordinate all work in the field of atomic science and technology.

1945/46

Technology mastering and organization of the production of metallic uranium and high-purity reactor graphite to start up the first experimental reactor.

1946

Achievement of a controlled uranium fission chain reaction at the No. 2 Laboratory. 

1948

Start up of the first industrial nuclear reactor.

1949

Testing of the Soviet Union’s first atomic bomb.

1953

Establishment of the USSR Ministry of Medium Machine Building as the authority dealing with nuclear science and technology.

1954

Start up of the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk.

1957

Ratification of the Charter of IAEA by the USSR.

1964

Commissioning of the first commercial water-moderated, water-cooled vessel-type (WWER) reactor at Novo-Voronezh. Commissioning of the first commercial boiling water-cooled graphite moderated reactor with nuclear superheating of the steam at Beloyarsk.

1970

Establishment of the International Nuclear Information System (INIS) with the active participation of the USSR.

1973

Commissioning of the first commercial water-cooled graphite-moderated channel-type (RBMK) reactor at Leningrad.

1973

Commissioning of the world’s first prototype-scale fast breeder reactor (BN-350) in Aktau for electricity generation and desalinated water production.

1976

Completion of the first nuclear central heating and power plant at Bilibino in the far northeastern part of Russia.

1977

Start up of the RT-1 plant for reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel.

1980

Start up of a commercial power-generating unit powered by BN-600 fast reactor at Beloyarsk. Commissioning of the 1000 MW(e) water moderated, water-cooled reactor (WWER-1000).

1984/86

Commissioning of the Zaporozhie and Balakovo NPP’s with WWER-1000 serial reactors with full compliance to the new safety regulation.

1986

Accident at unit 4 of Chernobyl NPP. Ministry for Atomic Energy is organized to be responsible for Nuclear Power Plants operation.

1989

Reorganization of the Ministry of Medium Machine Building and Ministry for Atomic Energy as the USSR Ministry of Atomic Energy and Industry.

1992

Establishment of Ministry for Atomic Energy of the Russian Federation (Minatom of Russia, also known as Ministry for Nuclear Power), which replaced the USSR Ministry of Atomic Energy and Industry.

1993

President Eltsyn and President Bush sign SALT-2 Agreement according to which the strategic offensive weapons should be reduced and limited over 7 years. Beginning of conversion of the Russian weapon highly-enriched uranium (VOU) in compliance with the Russian-US Agreement on nuclear disarmament.

1994

The Russian Federation Government makes decision to cease production of weapon plutonium.

1995

The 50-th anniversary of the nuclear power industry of Russia. Beginning of commercial conversion of highly-enriched uranium into low-enriched uranium (the VOU-NOU project) at the Ural Electrochemical Combine (Novouralsk town, Sverdlovsk Region). The FEI RF SSC, Obninsk, Kaluga Region, puts into service the first phase of the Laser and Nuclear Center for nuclei fission energy direct conversion into laser radiation. The first phase of the diamond production is put into service at the VNIIEF RF NC as a part of the conversion program.

1996

Approval of programs for support of the industry major schools of thought. Sea trials of PETR VELIKY nuclear-powered cruiser are completed. Completion of the removal of the Soviet Nuclear weapons to be disassembled from the CIS countries to Russia.

1997

Beginning of batch production of a news header type of munitions for the SRF TOPOL-M missile complex.

1998

Decision-making on production of the first batch of pilot uranium-plutonium fuel assemblies. Fabrication of a pilot batch of ADE-2, -4, -5 reactor conversion fuel rods. Approval of the program to develop nuclear power engineering of the Russian Federation from 1998 to 2005 and to 2010. Activities to elaborate a draft “Strategy for Nuclear Power Development” (a 50-ty year forecast) are started.

1998

Process to fabricate weapon plutonium base mixed fuel is devised and brought into commercial practice at the Research Institute of Nuclear Reactors State Research Center of the Russian Federation. A pilot batch of that fuel for BOR-60 and BN-600 reactors is fabricated.

1998

Establishment of the Information and Analytical Center of Minatom of Russia to ensure information and analytical support of the Ministry administration and of the Industry Emergency Commission both under normal operation and in case of emergency at the industry enterprises.

1999

Commissioning of the Kursk NPP 2 power unit upon completion of overhaul with monitoring of all fuel channels and with their partial substitution according to the check results. That work is carried out in the industry for the first time.

1999

Start of implementation of wide-scale measures to accelerate utilization of nuclear-powered submarines removed from military service and ecological recovery of sites of the Ministry of Defense dangerous installations handed over to Minatom of Russia in compliance with the decision of the Government of the Russian Federation.

1999

The 50-th anniversary of the Nuclear weapons of Russia. The nuclear weapon system is now a model of Research and Development Associations with the worldwide significance high-capacity pilot-scale productions enabling to tackle large-scale high technology problems.

2001

Putting into operation the first unit of the Volgodonsk (Rostov) NPP.

2002

25-th anniversary of putting into operation PT-1 plant at “ MAYAK” Production.

2004

Nuclear Power of Russia - 50 Years of History. On June 27, 1954, in the city of Obninsk a nuclear power plant of the capacity 5 000 kW was put into operation and connected to the grid for the first time in the world's history.

2005

60 Years of Nuclear power in Russia. Nuclear Power of Russia dates from 20 August, 1945, when First General Directorate was established.

2007

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified the new law on Rosatom state corporation.


2.1.2 Current Organisational Chart

Figure 3 shows the institutional organization of the nuclear industry in Russia.

     FIG. 3. Structure of Nuclear Industry in Russia (http://atomenergoprom.ru/en/corp/org/)

Atomenergoprom is the part of Rosatom State Nuclear Power Corporation. Atomenergoprom produces a wide range of nuclear and non-nuclear products, as well as provides full service in the area of nuclear power engineering. In particular, the company provides design and turn-key construction of a nuclear power plant, fuel supplies for the whole operation life of N-plant, upgrading and maintenance, as well as personnel training.

The company structure consists of divisions formed according to the basic segments of the nuclear fuel cycle:

Besides, Atomenergoprom structure includes enterprises offering products and services in the following areas:

2.1.  Nuclear Power Plants: Status and Operations

 2.2.1. Status of nuclear power plants

Figure 4 shows the map of Russian nuclear power plants. Tables 7 -8 show the current status of the Russian nuclear power plants. In the former Soviet Union, there were 10 nuclear reactors under construction at the late 80s. However, the construction of all new nuclear power plants was interrupted in 1989-1990, partly due to negative public opinion.  Establishing Rosenergoatom helped to overcome public distrust to the nuclear power, which was related to Chernobl events, to allow keeping the accumulated potential, to increase electric and power production, and to achieve significant safety improvement in the plant operation. At present, Rosenergoatom executes centralized state management of ten Russian nuclear power plants to include 31 units of total capacity of 23,242 MW:

15 WWER reactors:

• 9 WWER-1000

• 6 WWER-440

15 RBMK reactors:

• 11 RBMK-1000

• 4 EGP-6

1 BN-600 (fast-breeder) reactor.

Volgodonsk-1 commissioned in 2001 and Kalinin-3 commissioned in 2004 demonstrated Rosenergoatom stable tendency towards

productive development and expansion.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIG. 4. Map of Russian Nuclear Power Plants

TABLE 7.  STATUS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Station

Type

Net

Operator

Status

Reactor

Construction

Grid

Commercial

Shutdown

 

 

Capacity

 

 

Supplier

Date

Date

Date

Date

BALAKOVO-1

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Dec-80

28-Dec-85

23-May-86

 

BALAKOVO-2

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Aug-81

08-Oct-87

18-Jan-88

 

BALAKOVO-3

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Nov-82

25-Dec-88

08-Apr-89

 

BALAKOVO-4

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Apr-84

11-Apr-93

22-Dec-93

 

BELOYARSKY-3

FBR

560

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-69

08-Apr-80

01-Nov-81

 

BILIBINO UNIT A

LWGR

11

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-70

12-Jan-74

01-Apr-74

 

BILIBINO UNIT B

LWGR

11

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-70

30-Dec-74

01-Feb-75

 

BILIBINO UNIT C

LWGR

11

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-70

22-Dec-75

01-Feb-76

 

BILIBINO UNIT D

LWGR

11

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-70

27-Dec-76

01-Jan-77

 

KALININ-1

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Feb-77

09-May-84

12-Jun-85

 

KALININ-2

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Feb-82

03-Dec-86

03-Mar-87

 

KALININ-3

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

1985/10/01

2004/12/16

2005/11/08

 

KALININ-4

WWER

950

REA

Under Const.

MNE

1986/08/01

2010/12/31

N/A

 

KOLA-1

WWER

411

REA

Operational

MNE

01-May-70

29-Jun-73

28-Dec-73

 

KOLA-2

WWER

411

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-73

09-Dec-74

21-Feb-75

 

KOLA-3

WWER

411

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Apr-77

24-Mar-81

03-Dec-82

 

KOLA-4

WWER

411

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Aug-76

11-Oct-84

06-Dec-84

 

KURSK-1

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jun-72

19-Dec-76

12-Oct-77

 

KURSK-2

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jan-73

28-Jan-79

17-Aug-79

 

KURSK-3

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Apr-78

17-Oct-83

30-Mar-84

 

KURSK-4

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-May-81

02-Dec-85

05-Feb-86

 

LENINGRAD-1

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Mar-70

21-Dec-73

01-Nov-74

 

LENINGRAD-2

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jun-70

11-Jul-75

11-Feb-76

 

LENINGRAD-3

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Dec-73

07-Dec-79

29-Jun-80

 

LENINGRAD-4

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Feb-75

09-Feb-81

29-Aug-81

 

NOVOVORONEZH-3

WWER

385

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jul-67

27-Dec-71

29-Jun-72

 

NOVOVORONEZH-4

WWER

385

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jul-67

28-Dec-72

24-Mar-73

 

NOVOVORONEZH-5

WWER

950

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Mar-74

31-May-80

20-Feb-81

 

SMOLENSK-1

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Oct-75

09-Dec-82

30-Sep-83

 

SMOLENSK-2

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-Jun-76

31-May-85

02-Jul-85

 

SMOLENSK-3

LWGR

925

REA

Operational

MNE

01-May-84

17-Jan-90

30-Jan-90

 

KURSK-5

LWGR

925

REA

Under Constr.

MNE

01-Dec-85

 

 

 

SOUTH URALS 2

FBR

750

REA

Under Constr.

MNE

01-Jan-93

 

 

 

BILIBINO E

LWGR

31

REA

Planned

 

 

 

 

 

BILIBINO F

LWGR

31

REA

Planned

 

 

 

 

 

BILIBINO G

LWGR

31

REA

Planned

 

 

 

 

 

BN-1600

FBR

1500

REA

Planned

 

 

 

 

 

South Urals 3

FBR

750

REA

Planned

 

 

 

 

 

BELOYARSKY-1

LWGR

102

REA

Shut Down

 

01-Jun-58

26-Apr-64

26-Apr-64

01-Jan-83

BELOYARSKY-2

LWGR

146

REA

Shut Down

 

01-Jan-62

29-Dec-67

01-Dec-69

01-Jan-90

NOVOVORONEZH-1

WWER

197

REA

Shut Down

 

01-Jul-57

30-Sep-64

31-Dec-64

16-Feb-88

NOVOVORONEZH-2

WWER

336

REA

Shut Down

 

01-Jul-64

27-Dec-69

14-Apr-70

29-Aug-90

VOLGODONSK-1

WWER

950

REA

Operational.

 

1981/09/01

2001/03/30

2001/12/25

 

VOLGODONSK-2

WWER

950

REA

Under Construction

 

1983/05/01

 

 

 

Source: Russian nuclear power plants, Rosenergoatom, Moscow (2007), http://eng.rosatom.ru/.

Source:  IAEA Power Reactor Information System.

 

Table 8. Reactors in decommissioning process or decommissioned

Reactor name

 

Shut down

date

Shutdown reason

Decom. Strategy

Current decom.  Phase

Current Fuel managemt phase

Decom. Licensee

License terminate

APS-1

2002/04/29

Lifetime expiration

Long Term Shutdown

Permanent Shutdown

Storage

ROSATOM

N/A

BELOYARSKY-1

 

1983/01/01

Lifetime expiration

Long Term Shutdown

Permanent Shutdown

Storage

ROSATOM

N/A

BELOYARSKY-2

1990/01/01

Lifetime expiration

Long Term Shutdown

Permanent Shutdown

Storage

ROSATOM

N/A

NOVOVORONEZH-1

1988/02/16

Lifetime expiration

Long Term Shutdown

Permanent Shutdown

Storage

ROSATOM

N/A

NOVOVORONEZH-2

1990/08/29

Lifetime expiration

Long Term Shutdown

Permanent Shutdown

Storage

ROSATOM

N/A

Source : PRIS database

 

2.2.2 Performance of NPPs

 In 2007 the nuclear power plants of Russia generated 158.280bln KWh – 102.3% of the index of 2006:

- NPPs with WWER reactors produced 81.898bln KWh or 98.6 % of the index of 2006;

- NPPs with RBMK, EGP and BN reactors produced 76.382bln KWh or 106.7% of the index of 2006.

The NPPs of Russia fulfilled 102% of the plan.

The capacity factor made up 77.7% - 1.7% more than in 2006.

No INES incidents were registered at the NPP of Russia in 2007, with 15 unplanned stoppages of units (against 20 in 2006) and 47 operating problems (against 42 in 2006).

The radiation situation at the NPPs and in their nearby areas was within norm.

Table 9 shows the operational facts of the NPPs in 2007.

                                           TABLE 9.  STATUS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS - OPERATIONAL FACTS IN 2007
 

NPP

 

Capacity Installed,

MW(e)

Electricity Generation,

106 kW·h

Load Factor,

%

Balakovo

4,000

29963,3

85,5

Kalinin

3,000

22654,2

86,2

Kola

1,760

10290,7

66,8

Novovoronezh

1,834

11318,1

71,6

Beloyarsk

600

4088,3

78,1

Bilibino

48

145,3

82,4

Kursk

4,000

27768,7

82,4

Leningrad

4,000

24633,2

73,9

Smolensk

3,000

19746,9

75,9

Volgodonsk

1,000

7672,1

87,6

Total

23,242

158280,8

77, 7

                                                        Source: Country Information, PRIS database

2.2.3. Plant upgrading and plant life management

In the framework of implementation of the Program for nuclear industry development in the Russian Federation in 1998 - 2005 and for the period until 2010 authorized by the Decree of the Russian Federation Government № 815, July 21, 1998, it is expected to extend the operation of the plant units beyond the designed lifetime period of 30 years due to implementation of a set of measures that will ensure their safety during continued operation. A number of activities for upgrading and preparation to lifetime extension at the Novovoronezh-3 and 4 [2001 and 2002 accordingly], Kola-1, Leningrad-1. Bilibino-1 was implemented. The related licenses were obtained from Gosatomnadzor of Russia for extended operation of the above power units.
By 2006, it was planned to implement a similar scope of activities for upgrading and lifetime extension (LTE) for six more power units of the first generation, including:

·         in 2004 - Kola-2 and Bilibino-2;

·         in 2005 - Leningrad-2 and Bilibino-3;

·         in 2006 - Kursk-1 and Bilibino-4.

Thus, in 2006 the cumulative installed capacity of the power units with the extended life will be 4 762 MW. Programs of LTE works for the related power units are annually included in a list of high-priority tasks of ŦRosenergoatomŧ.

In 2006, Rosatom said it was considering lifetime extensions and uprating of its eleven operating RBMK reactors. Following significant design modifications made after the Chernobyl accident, as well as extensive refurbishment including replacement of fuel channels, a 45-year lifetime is seen as realistic for the 1000 MWe units. In 2005 they provided 48% of Russia's nuclear-generated electricity. Upgrading of Leningrad 3 is under way with a view to 20-year life extension, to 2029, and unit 4 will follow suit. Kursk 3 & 4 and Smolensk 1-3 will probably be next. The R&D Institute of Power Engineering was preparing plans for 5% uprating of the later Leningrad, Kursk and Smolensk units.

2.2.4. Nuclear power development: projection and plans

The significant growth of the electrical power generation is planned be provided due to the following measures:

·         Lifetime extension for the operating first generation power units for 10-15 years,

·         Upgrading of the operating power units, increase of the availability factor,

·         Putting new units into operation.


In 2006 Russia has started designing BN-800 reactor. The construction of BN-800 will stimulate the further development of the industry.

  • Russia has launched a unique liquid radioactive waste storage complex at Kola NPP and now can safely store the waste for 300-500 years. Now the country is planning to build similar facilities at Kalinin, Kursk, Smolensk and Leningrad NPPs.
  • Today many regions are running short of electricity and mobile floating NPPs can help in the matter. In Apr 2007 Russia has started to construct the first floating NPP in the world. (Sevmash, Severodvinsk).
  • Novovoronezh NPP-2 is an evolutionary improved version of the well-reputed WWER-1000 project. In July 2007 the head of Rosatom Sergey Kiriyenko put in the foundations of the 1 st unit of the plant a capsule with a message to the coming generations.
  • Unit 2 of Rostov NPP tops the list of the nuclear facilities to be built under the federal target program for the development of the nuclear power industry. The plant will help to reduce energy shortages in the south of Russia.
  • The WWER-1100 project launched at Leningrad NPP-2 will be a great contribution to the economic development of North-Western Russia.

2.3.  Supply of Nuclear Power Plants

Architect engineers:

-     All-Russia Scientific Research and Design Institute of Power Technology (VNIPIET), St. Petersburg;-      Institute “Atomenergoproekt” (AEP), and its branches in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod;

-      State Institute of Construction and Design (GSPI), Moscow.

NSS main suppliers:

-      "Atommash", an open-end joint stock company - NSS WWER-1000, BN and AST, Volgodonsk;

-      “Izhorskie zavody”, an open-end joint stock company - NSS WWER-1000 and WWER-440, St. Petersburg;

Main component suppliers:

-      “Leningradskiy metallicheskiy zavod”, an open-end joint stock company - turbines for NPP’s, St. Petersburg;

-      “Podolskiy mashinostroitelniy zavod”,, an open-end joint stock company - steam generators, separators, piping, etc., Podolsk.

2.4. Operation of Nuclear Power Plants


State enterprise “Russian state concern for generation of electric and thermal power at nuclear power plants” [“ROSENERGOATOM”] was founded in 1992 and up to 2002 executed centralized state management for 8 of 9 Russian nuclear power plants. From April 1, 2002, “ROSENERGOATOM” was transformed into generating company with common rate. 10 NPPs were joined to it as filials, including Leningrad NPP and Volgodonsk NPP, which was commissioned in December 2001.

All NPPs have 31 energy units with total rated power 23,2 GW[el.].According to Russian federal laws in the area of atomic energy “ROSENERGOATOM” performs the functions of the NPP operating utility and bears complete responsibility for maintaining nuclear and radiological safety at all the stages of NPP operation including measures on elimination of nuclear accident consequences.
The ultimate goal of “ROSENERGOATOM” activities is to ensure safe operation of Russian nuclear power plants.

"ROSENERGOATOM" IS ENTRUSTED TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING MAIN FUNCTIONS:

Ensuring the NPP safe operation, namely:

·         development and implementation of NPP safety culture;

·         performance of continuous surveillance over NPP safety;

·         collection and analysis of the information on NPP accidents, equipment failures and human errors development of corrective measures;

·         management of physical protection and fire prevention at nuclear power plants;

·         development and management of emergency preparedness plans.

Support of NPP operation, namely:

·         providing nuclear power plants with necessary material and technical resources;

·         development and performance control for the measures aimed at enhancement of NPP reliability, quality and safe operation;

·         development of normative documentation and scientific support of NPP operation, operation licensing;

·         operating personnel recruiting, initial and continuous training;

·         international activities;

·         legal support.

Nuclear power development, namely:

·         development and implementation of NPP' erection and commissioning program;

·         modernization and upgrading of the operating nuclear power plants;

·         solution of the problems regarding to lifetime extension of the operating nuclear power plants;

·         design & development activities and NPP construction licensing;

·         participation in solution of social issues concerning the nuclear industry employees;

·         providing the general public with information on the issues of NPP ecological safety.

2.5.   Fuel Cycle and Waste Management

The Russian Federation has capabilities in all segments of the nuclear fuel cycle. The exess of capacities are offered to foreign utilities on a commercial basis. Part of NFCFs  are State owned (Rosatom); the other part being managed by joint stock companies (TVEL, Rosenergoatom, Atomstroi, etc.) in which controlling interests are retained by the State.

Uranium mining and milling

The Priargunsky Industrial Mining and Chemical Union has a capacity of 3500 t U/a using open pit, underground and ISL extraction methods. This facility is operated by JSC TVEL.

Uranium conversion

Rosatom operates Angarsk and Tomsk conversion plants (conversion to UF6 ), which have a total capacity of 30 000 t  U/a. The excess capacities are offered to foreign utilities on a commercial basis.

Enrichment process

The first civil uranium enrichment plant in the Russian Federation started operation in 1964 at Ekaterenburg. Three more plants came into operation later at Tomsk, Angarsk and Krasnoyarsk. At present, Rosatom operates all four plants, which have a total capacity of 15 000 t SWU/a. The excess capacities are offered to foreign utilities on a commercial basis.

Fuel fabrication

Nuclear fuel fabrication is carried out by JSL TVEL at two plants: Electrostal and Novosibirsk. Electrostal produces fuel elements, assemblies, powder and pellets for WWER 440, WWER 100, BN 600, RBMK and PWR reactors. The Novosibirsk plant manufactures fuel elements and assemblies for WWER 1000 reactors. In the production of fuel assemblies for RBMK and WWER 1000 reactors, a quantity of fuel pellets is supplied from the Ust Kamenogorsk plant (Kazahstan). However, new lines for powder and pellet production at the Novosibirsk plant started operation in 2000-2002. Zirconium production for nuclear fuel fabrication capacity (fuel assemblies for different reactor types) of JSC TVEL is about 2600n HM/a. The excess capacities are offered to foreign utilities on a  commercial basis.

Reprocessing

The reprocessing option is the one followed for dealing with spent reactor fuel, with the exeption of that originating from RBMKs, the spent fuel of which should be disposed of. Rosatom operates the RT-1 Plant in Chelyabinsk for reprocessing fuel from WWER plant’s capacity for WWER 440 fuel is 400 t HM/a. The construction of a second reprocessing plant (RT-2) at Krasnoyarsk, which has a first line design capacity of 800 t HM/a has been postponed indefinitely. Reprocessed uranium is used for RBMK fuel production. Plutonium obtained at RT-1 is temporarily stored on-site in dioxide form. Rpsatom operates several wet AFR fuel storage facilities at RT-1 and RT-2, and at several nuclear power plants, which have a total capacity of about 16 000 t HM/a.

2.6.   Research and Development

2.6.1 R&D Organizations and Institutes

Fundamental Research

-         Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow;

-         Institute of High Energy Physics, Protvino;

-         Institute of Innovation and Thermonuclear Research, Troitsk.

These are major nuclear industry research centres that carry out extensive fundamental theoretical and experimental investigations into the properties of the atomic nucleus and elementary particles, plasma and laser physics, thermonuclear fusion, development of new types of accelerator and reactor technology, and equipment and facilities for physical research.

Applied Research and Development (R&D)

-      The Russian Scientific Centre (RSC) “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow;

-      The State Scientific Centre “Institute of Physics and Power Engineering” (SSC FEI), Obninsk;

-      The State Scientific Centre "All-Russian Inorganic Materials Research Institute" (SSC VNIINM), Moscow;

-      The State Scientific Centre Nuclear Reactor Research Institute (SSC NIIAR), Dimitrovgrad;

-      Research and Development Institute of Power Engineering (NIKIET), Moscow.

All are major scientific centres in the field of nuclear science and technology. Theoretical and experimental research on nuclear and particle physics, neutron physics, thermophysics, hydraulics, material science, nuclear safety performed at these institutes has received world-wide recognition.

The All-Russian Research Institute for Nuclear Power Plant Operation (VNIIAES) of Moscow, is the scientific centre for Russian nuclear operating organizations. Principal attention is paid to assuring safe operation of the 1st and 2nd generation nuclear power plants.

Major reactor and NSSS design and research

-         Experimental Design Bureau "Gidropress" (OKB GP), Podolsk;

-         Experimental Design Bureau of Machine Building (OKBM), Nizhny Novgorod.

2.6.2 Development of advanced and new generation nuclear reactor systems

The leading 3rd generation medium and large scale power units of improved safety now include advanced WWER 1000 (for domestic market and export), WWER 1500 (replacement of the 1st generation units and capacity growths), BN-800 (for plutonium utilization and solving of environmental problem), BREST (nuclear technology of the 4th generation).

2.7. International Co-operation and Initiatives

Rosatom of Russia cooperates with other countries in many fields of activities, for example:

·         nuclear physics;

·         fundamental research into matter properties;

·         controlled thermonuclear fusion;

·         physics of semiconductors and high-temperature superconductivity;

·         isotopes;

·         technologies of elementary particle accelerators and electrophysical equipment;

·         atomic energy generation and nuclear fuel cycle;

·         radioactive waste management;

·         environment protection.

The Rosatom of Russia scientists and researchers are engaged in a wide range of studies conducted by the various international centers for nuclear research, that is: the European Organization of Nuclear Research (CERN); the National Accelerator Laboratory and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. Russia participates in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor quadripartite project. The Rosatom scientists and engineers participate actively in both the national and the international symposia, seminars and conferences. Rosatom of Russia is engaged in the intensive sharing and exchange of information at bilateral level and through the International Nuclear Information System (INIS). Within the Rosatom structure there is a special Institute (Atominform) merging all information flows of the industry and dealing with the problems associated with protection of the Rosatom rights to the objects of the intellectual property resulting from the activities financed by the Ministry, as well as, legal aspects of the transfer of these rights to third parties.

Recently the problems of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, of NPP safety and of environment protection have been gaining in importance. Russia cooperates with the US Department of Energy to establish the International Center of Ecological Safety in Russia (Rosatom of Russia) and in the USA (the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory). Cooperation started in 1993 in management of spent nuclear fuel and of radioactive waste and cooperation in rehabilitation of contaminated territories at the northwest of the Russian Federation with Norway, the European Commission, France, Sweden and USA are still in progress. In 1998 on the Minatom initiative Russia began to cooperate with France and Germany to construct reactor EPR in Russia. The joint working group including experts from Minatom, Framatome and Siemens Company was formed. The European Commission rendering technical assistance on a gratuitous basis with in the frameworks of TACIS Program is one of the leading western partners. In 1998 the implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Russia and the European Union was started. Throughout recent years Russia has taken part in activities in compliance with the Agreement on ISTC.

 The extensive activities to tackle problems of non-proliferation and safe dismantling of the Russian nuclear weapons and of weapon plutonium and uranium conversion are in progress. For example, throughout 1994-1997 research and development activities to fabricate uranium-plutonium fuel for CANDU reactors from weapon plutonium were carried out in cooperation with Canada. In 1999 cooperation with Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, France and with the US participation within the frameworks of the intergovernmental agreements on rendering assistance to Russia to ensure safe dismantling of nuclear weapons was continued. At present the joint Russian-US efforts are taken for decommissioning of weapon plutonium production reactors. In 1999 a draft Intergovernmental Agreement between the Russian Federation and Netherlands on cooperation in safe dismantling of nuclear weapons reduced in the Russian Federation and in utilization of removed nuclear-powered submarines was elaborated

 By convention, designing, mounting and commissioning of NPPs and large-scale production installations at the territories of the CIS and of the other countries form essential part of the international cooperation of Rosatom of Russia. Ukraine and Kazakhstan are the most active partners of Russia. A draft Agreement on cooperation in nuclear fuel cycle has been elaborated and coordinated recently with Ukraine. Activities to complete construction and to put into operation the Rovno and the Khmelnitsky NPPs are in progress. Russia supplies nuclear fuel to Ukraine and transports spent nuclear fuel out of the country. Russia cooperates with Kazakhstan in production of nuclear fuel and in other aspects of nuclear fuel cycle. An NPP is planned to be constructed at the territory of Kazakhstan.

Rosatom cooperates with China, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Korea, Indonesia, Cuba, India, Syria, Egypt in construction and operation of NPPs and large-scale production installations. We can note certain progress in the Russian-Japanese relations.

Russia takes part in International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO). The objective of INPRO is to support the safe, sustainable, economic and proliferation-resistant use of nuclear technology to meet the global energy needs of the 21st century. INPRO provides an open international forum for studying the nuclear power option, and associated requirements and its potential application in IAEA Member States. INPRO helps to make available adequate competence to the development and deployment of Innovative Nuclear Energy Systems (INSs) and to assist Member States in the coordination of related collaborative projects.

 

AGREEMENTS WITH THE IAEA

•  Amendments to Articles VI & XIV of the Agency statute

Not ratified

 

•  Agreement on privileges and immunities

Entry into force:

1 July 1966

•  Unilateral safeguards submission (Voluntary offer) INFCIRC/327

Entry into force:

10 June 1985

•  Additional Protocol

Signed:

22 March 2000

•  Supplementary agreement on provision of technical assistance by the IAEA

Not yet concluded

 

MAIN INTERNATIONAL TREATIES

•  NPT

Entry into force:

5 March 1970

•  Convention on physical protection of nuclear material

Entry into force:

8 February 1987

•  Convention on early notification of a nuclear accident

Entry into force:

24 January 1987

•  Convention on assistance in the case of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency

Entry into force:

26 February 1987

•  Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage

Signature:

8 May 1996

•  Paris convention on civil liability for nuclear damage

Not applicable

 

•  Joint protocol relating to the application of Vienna and Paris conventions

Non-Party

 

•  Protocol to amend the Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage

Non-Party

 

•  Convention on supplementary compensation for nuclear damage

Non-Party

 

•  Convention on nuclear safety

Entry into force:

24 October 1996

•  Joint convention on the safety of spent Signature: fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management

Signature:

27 January 1999

OTHER RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL TREATIES/UNDERTAKINGS

•  Improved procedures for designation of safeguards inspectors

Waiver proposal accepted by U.S.S.R. on

15 September 1988

•  ZANGGER Committee

Member

 

•  Nuclear Suppliers Group

Member

 

•  Acceptance of NUSS Codes

Summary: A good basis for national safety standards. Taken into account in preparation of regulatory/ technical documents. Best form of application in USSR being studied:

30 December 1988

•  Nuclear Export Guidelines

Adopted

 

•  World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)

Member

 

                                                         

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

Bilateral agreements on peaceful use of atomic energy have been signed with USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Republic of Korea, Switzerland and some other countries.

1.   “Bilateral Agreement between Governments of the Russian Federation and the United States of    America on Scientific and Technical Co-operation in the Field of Management of Plutonium Withdrawn from Nuclear Military Programmes”. Moscow, July 24, 1998.

2.   “Threelateral Agreement between Governments of Russian Federation and Federal Republic of Germany and Republic of France on Co-operation in the Field of Peaceful Utilization of Plutonium Being Released as a Results of Dismantling of Russian Nuclear Weapons”.

3.   Russia – US “Agreement on Co-operation in Research on Radiation Effects for the Purpose of minimize the consequences of the Radioactive Contamination on Health and environment”. Moscow, January 14, 1994.

4.   Russia – US “Agreement on Increasing of Operational Safety, Measures to Decrease Risk and on Nuclear Safety Standards of Civil Nuclear Facilities in Russian Federation”. Moscow, December 16, 1993.

2.8.   Human Resources Development

The industry personnel policy serves to keep and to add the personnel potential. There are 6 centers and Institutes for Advanced Professional Training of managerial and engineering staff where up to 10000 persons per year may be trained. The young personnel is trained in 20-ty high educational institutions including 7 industrial ones, in 21 technical colleges, professional and technical schools. The total number of the persons trained in the industry educational institutions constitutes over 18500 including over 6000 students of high educational institutions

Training of scientific personnel of the industry in 30-ty post-graduate schools established on the basis of the industry enterprises and Institutes where up to 500 engineers are trained annually occupies a highly important place.

Changeover from solution of individual problems to the combined implementation of the complex program of job-security, social and economical development, social insurance, etc., in cooperation with the local self-administration bodies is in progress in respect of interaction with closed administrative and territorial entities.

The training and procedure papers, simulators and training equipment have been developed within the frameworks of the international scientific and engineering cooperation with the USA, Japan, Germany, France, Great Britain and Syria. Over 350 Russian engineers were trained abroad and training of foreign students in the industry base Institutes was arranged.

3.   NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

3.1.  Safety Authority and the Licensing Procedures

The following regulations determine the procedure for nuclear power plant licensing:

·     Regulations on the order of special permission issued by Gosatomnadzor of Russia for examination of design and other materials and documents, substantiating safety of nuclear and radiologically dangerous installations and works: RD-03-12-94.

·     Regulations on arranging and carrying out examination of design and other materials and documents, substantiating safety of nuclear and radiologically dangerous installations and works: RD-03-13-94.

·     Regulations on the order of issuing of special temporary permissions for designing nuclear and radiologically dangerous installations and works: RD-03-14-94.

The stages of obtaining the temporary permission (license) for NPP unit operation can be represented in brief as follows:

i)           License demand (submission of application documents);

ii)         Gosatomnadzor decision on the demand control;

iii)        Analysis of substantiating materials of demand;

iv)       Inspection at the NPP;

v)         Conclusion on substantiating materials examination;

vi)       Conclusion on NPP inspection;

vii)      General conclusion on obtaining temporary permission (license);

viii)    License (temporary permission).

 3.2. Main National Laws and Regulations in Nuclear Power

The main laws controlling nuclear power in Russia is the law "About utilization of atomic energy" and the law "About state policy in the field of radioactive waste management".

Technical regulations created by Gosatomnadzor of Russia, which are in force today, are the legal framework for nuclear energy utilization. These regulations and rules address the aspects of safety assurance during site selection, designing, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear installations. All regulating documents developed by Gosatomnadzor have been compiled into a “List of main scientific and technical documents, used by Gosatomnadzor for safety regulation and supervision during production and utilization of atomic energy, handling of nuclear materials, radioactive substances and articles on their base”, P-01-01-03, Gosatomnadzor of Russia, 2003, http://www.gan.ru/prav_b/acts.htm.

Some aspects of nuclear related activity are regulated by decrees of the President or Government of the Russian Federation.

Decrees of the President:

-      "About the control of export of nuclear materials, equipment and technologies" of 27 March 1992;

-      "About the utilities with nuclear power plants " of 7 September 1992;

-      "About privatization of enterprises under the authority of Ministry for Atomic Energy, and their management in a market economy " of 15 April 1993, etc.

Decrees of the Government:

-      "About approval of documents, regulating export of equipment and materials and of corresponding technology, used for nuclear purposes" of 29 May 1992;

-     “About measures of protection of the population living adjacent to nuclear power installations" of 15 October 1992, etc.

-      On Reorganization of the Nuclear Power Industry of the Russian Federation (Apr 27 2007 2007/04/27-5)    

4.      CURRENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS ON NUCLEAR POWER

4.1 Current Policy Issues

Nuclear Development

Federal Program for nuclear power development.

Large-scale plans to increase the nuclear share in electricity generation declared by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin were specified in the Federal Programme ”Development of Nuclear power complex of Russia for 2007 – 2010 and up to 2015”. It was approved by the Decree of the Government dated October 6, 2006.

The main goal of the programme is to speed up the development of the nuclear power industry, to facilitate geopolitical interests of the country and to ensure Russia’s energy security. To achieve this goal it is planned to speed up the commissioning of new power units. It is proposed to make the serial (model) ones which would allow cutting their design and construction costs.

In particular, the construction of 2 power units of GWe power is started in 2007. Federal programme is also aimed  at promoting products and services of Russian nuclear fuel cycle, organizations in the world market, and at activating construction of NPPs abroad.

To achieve the aims it is foreseen to develop and reconstruct the production facilities of nuclear fuel cycle and also development of spent fuel treatment facilities. It is also planned to introduce innovation techniques of nuclear power engineering development.

By the end of implementation of the Federal Programme 10 new power units with total power of 11 GWe are to be commissioned and another 10 units will be at various construction stages. Total power of NPPs by 2015 will comprise more than 33 GWe which will be 18.6% of total power output in Russia (to compare, today it is about 16%).

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified the new law on Rosatom state corporation. The law was adopted by the State Duma on Nov 13 2007 and approved by the Federation Council on Nov 23 2007.

The objective of the Corporation is to unite state policy and management system in the field of use of nuclear energy, to ensure stable work of nuclear power and nuclear weapons producers, to guarantee nuclear and radiation safety and to create favorable conditions for stable work of the defense sector.

4.2 Privatisation and deregulation

 Reforming the Russian electricity sector

The idea of reforming Russian electricity sector has evolved directly from the answer to very simple and evident questions – who pays, how much, whom and what for is to be paid. Today RAO UES is a monopoly in the field of energy supply and is a financial and industrial holding, which consists of a number of regional energy companies, large federal power stations as well as intersystem electrical grids. The state owns the controlling stake of RAO UES. It regulates all activities of the energy-holding and determines the prices of its services and production.

In order to make market mechanisms work, it is necessary to undertake a variety of reforming measures in energy sector of Russian Federation. On the first stage every regional energy company will be divided into generating company and Grid Company, which will include the dispersing grids and Sale Company. On the second stage the process of dividing will be replaced with interregional integration: regional generating and grid companies will unite. Territorial generating companies will become electricity market participants along with 10 wholesale generating companies, which are now being discussed in the Russian Government. Intersystem and high-voltage electric grids will be united into Federal Grid Company, which will be completely acquired by the state afterwards. The state as the most impartial participant of the process will take the obligation of granting equal reach to the grids for all energy producers and consumers. Dispatching of energy will be conducted by another state-owned corporation JSC “SO-CDU UES”. And finally, non-commercial partnership Administrator of trade system will become the ground for all the sales, pricing, negotiating and contracting of purchase and sale.

It is the state, who will set prices on dispatching services and energy transportation along intersystem and dispersing grids, while the price on electricity, produced by any of the power stations, will be set on the basis of demand and supply balance on the market. This is just the very sphere of electricity sector that will be a subject for essential alteration in the nearest future. Generating enterprises, which have turned into independent companies, will become financially transparent and attractive for investors. The development of this trend will be derived directly from a clear and understandable way of energy pricing. In conditions of harsh competitive market energy producers minimize costs, implement new technologies and lower the price of electricity by using inner reserves in fight for consumers. Therefore competition will become a natural stimulus for stabilization and price-reduction.

Competition will also be introduced in the sphere of energy-sales: several sales companies will work in every region, each specializing in one of the consumer groups. They will compete for these consumers by lowering the price on its services and by offering more profitable and convenient conditions of energy supply. Wholesale sellers will simply lack any space in this scheme, they will become components of regional grid companies.

4.3 Role of the government in the nuclear R&D

The Rosatom is a federal regulatory body with executive authority's functions to carry out the Federal policy in the field of development and production in the sphere of nuclear engineering. It executes a regulatory agency's functions in management of usage of nuclear energy, and also in licensing and coordination of activities in these spheres of federal organs' responsibility as the executive authority.

The Rosatom within limits of its competence is responsible to the Federal State for further development of nuclear energy complexes. It coordinates activities of corresponding firms and organizations.

4.4 Safety and waste management issues

Russia likewise the majority of the leading nuclear countries has initiated a program to develop a closed nuclear fuel cycle. It will enable in future to reduce uranium mining by half, to apply a new power source, that is, plutonium in the fuel cycle and to reach up and over 60% of fuel burnup in both thermal and fast neutron reactors.

At the present-day phase of scientific and technical development and in the future the nuclear power industry of the Russian Federation has to tackle two basic problems, that is:

·        safety improvement of nuclear installations;

·       assurance of safe management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and of radioactive waste (RW) (storage, transportation, treatment, utilization, disposal).

By now in Russia the procedures ensuring safety of personnel, environment and population are available. These procedures are based on the vast accumulated experience in reprocessing of Russian and foreign WWER-440 reactor spent fuel and of nuclear-powered submarine fuel.

These procedures are based on the vast accumulated experience in reprocessing of Russian and foreign WWER-440 reactor spent fuel and of nuclear-powered submarine fuel.

The main tasks of the present and future development of the nuclear power industry are as follows:

·           trouble-free operation of nuclear power installations;

·           safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste disposal.

Kyoto protocol ratified by Russia in 2004

Russia has added itself to the list of countries formally adopting the Kyoto protocol which is aimed at cleaning up the environment and halting the spread of global warming. The ratification by Russia of the United Nations backed accord brings the number of countries that support the protocol up to 126.

 

REFERENCES

[1]

CIS Countries Economics. Moscow, Finstatinform, (1993) (in Russian).

[2]

CIS Countries in 1991. Annual Statistic Report. Moscow, Finstatinform, (1992) (in Russian).

[3]

Energy Strategy of Russia. Main Concepts. Moscow, (1995) (in Russian).

[4]

Annual Report of Mintopenergo of Russia 1993. Moscow, (1993) (in Russian).

[5]

Technical and Economic Characteristics of Electric Power in Russia. NIIEE, Moscow, (1992) (in Russian).

[6]

Data of the Ministry of Fuel and Energy of the Russian Federation, (1993).

[7]

Fuel and Power in Russia. VNIIKTEP, Moscow, (1992) (in Russian).

[8]

Strategy of Nuclear Power Development in Russia. Moscow, (1994) (in Russian).

[9]

Performance Indicators of Russian NPP's in 1993. "Rosenergoatom" Concern, (1994).

[10]

Minatom of Russia. Atominform, (1992).

[11]

International Affairs, Special Issue, Russian Nuclear Complex Opens to the Country and the World, (1994).

[12]

NPP's operation in the Russian Federation, The 1993 Report, "Rosenergoatom" Concern, (1994).

[13]

On the Activity Related to the Future Development of the Russian Electric Energy Sector in the New Economic Conditions, Energy Construction, Vol 11, (1994) (in Russian).

[14]

Programme of Russian Federation Nuclear Power Development in 1998-2005 and for perspective up to 2010. Moscow, (July 21, 1998)

[15]

About Status and Perspective of Nuclear Power Development. Rosenergoatom, (1999)

[16]

National Report of Russian Federation about Realization of Obligations of Nuclear Safety Convention. Moscow, (1998).

[17]

Russian Annual Statistical Transactions, Moscow (1998)

[18]

Russian Annual Statistical Transactions, Moscow (1999)

[19]

Russian Annual Statistical Transactions, Moscow (2000)

[20]

Russian nuclear power plants, Rosenergoatom, Moscow (2001)

[21]

IAEA Energy and Economic Data Base (EEDB)

[22]

IAEA Power Reactor Information System (PRIS)

[23]

Russia in figures, Summary Statistical Transactions, Moscow (2002)

[24]

Country Nuclear Fuel Cycle Profiles. IAEA.

[25]

Russian nuclear power plants, Rosenergoatom, Moscow (2002)

[26]

UNIFIED ENERGY SYSTEM OF RUSSIA (UES), ANNUAL REPORT 2003.


 

Appendix

DIRECTORY OF THE MAIN ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND COMPANIES INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR POWER RELATED ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITIES

Ministry of Atomic Energy (MINATOM)
Staromonetny pereulok 26
109180 Moscow

Tel: (7 095) 239 4908
Fax: (7 095) 230 2420
Telex: 411888 MEZON SU
http://www.x-atom.ru/minatom/min_eng.html

Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority
Taganskaya ulitsa 34
109147 Moscow

Tel: (7 095) 272 0349
Fax: (7 095) 278 0098
Tlx: 411743 SYVIN SU

State Supervisory Committee for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection

Fax: (7095) 278 8090

OTHER NUCLEAR ORGANIZATIONS

Consortium of Russian Nuclear Power Plants
"ROSATOMENERGO"
B. Ordynka 24/26
K-74 Moscow 103074

Tel: (7 095) 239 24 22
Fax: (7 095) 239 27 24
http://www.rosatom.ru

Obninsk Institute for
Physics and Power Engineering
Bondarenko Sq. 1
249020 Obninsk, Kaluga region

Tel: (708439) 9 82 50
Fax: (7095) 230 23 26
http://www.ippe.obninsk.ru

All-Russia Scientific Research and Design
Institute of Power Technology -VNIPIET
Dibunovskaya Str.
St. Petersburg

Tel: (812) 239 01 34
Fax: (812) 239 18 98

Nuclear Safety Institute (IBRAE)

http://www.ibrae.ac.ru

Institute "Atomenergoproekt" (AEP)
Bakunin Str. 7
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 261 41 87

"Atommash"
Krasnoarmeyskaya Str. 206
Volgodonsk
Rostov reg.

 

"Izhorskie zavody"
Kolpino-1, Lenin Str. 1
St. Petersburg

Fax: (812) 463 92 69

"Rosenergoatom"
Kitaisky pr. 7
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 220 63 01
Fax: (7095) 220 44 88

"Atomredmetzoloto"
Bolshaya Ordynka Str.
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 239 44 11
Fax: (7095) 239 46 79

TVEL Concern, Inc.
Bolshaya Ordynka Str.
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 239 43 55
Fax: (7095) 233 10 59

Russian Scientific Centre (RSC) "Kurchatov Institute"
Kurchatov Sq. 1
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 196 92 41
http://www.kiae.ru

State Scientific Centre "All-Russian Inorganic
Materials Research Institute" (SSC VNIINM)
Rogov Str. 5a
Moscow 123060

Tel: (7095) 190 82 97
Fax: (7095) 196 41 68

State Scientific Centre "Nuclear Reactor
Research Institute" (SSC NIIAR)
Box M-5881
Dimitrovgrad
Ulyanovsk Region

Tel: (84235) 3 52 80
Fax: (84235) 3 56 48
http://www.niiar.ru/eng/riarsb.htm

All-Russian Research Institute for
Nuclear Power Plant Operation (VNIIAES)
Ferganskaya Str. 25
Moscow

Tel: (7095) 377 00 75
Fax: (7095) 274 00 73

Research and Development Institute
of Power Engineering (NIKIET)
P.O.Box 788
Moscow

Fax: (7095) 975 20 19

Experimental Design Bureau of Machine Building
(OKBM)
Burnakovsky pr. 15
Nizhny Novgorod

Tel: (8312) 46 21 32
Fax: (8312) 41 87 72

Experimental Design Bureau "Gidropress" (OKB GP)
Ordzhonikidze Str. 24
Podolsk
Moscow region

Tel: (7095) 137-90-96

Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant

http://www.laes.sbor.ru/

NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP)

http://www.inp.nsk.su

Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics (FLNP)

http://nfdfn.jinr.ru

Institute of General and Nuclear Physics
(Kurchatov Institute)

http://www.ignph.kiae.ru

Ioffe Institute for Physics and Technology

http://www.ioffe.rssi.ru

Khlopin Radium Institute

http://www.atom.nw.ru/RIE

Moscow Power Engineering Institute

http://www.mpei.ac.ru

St. Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute

http://www.pnpi.spb.ru

HIGH ENERGY INSTITUTES

Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics
(BLTP)

http://thsun1.jinr.ru

Flerov Laboratory of Nucler Reactions (FLNR)

http://sungraph.jinr.dubna.su/flnr

Institute for Nuclear Research (INR)

http://www.inr.ac.ru

International Center for Fundamental Physics

http://www.icfpm.lpi.ru

Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna (JINR)

http://cv.jinr.ru

Laboratory of High Energies (LHE JINR)

http://lhe.jinr.ru

Laboratory of Nuclear Problems (LNP)

http://nuweb.jinr.ru

Laboratory of Particle Physics (LPP)

http://sunse.jinr.ru

Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics
(SINP, Moscow)

http://www.npi.msu.su

Saint-Petersburg State University
(Radiophysics scientific school)

http://www.phys.spbu.ru/Departments/RadioPhysics

International Science and
Technology Centre (ISTC)

http://www.istc.ru

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Republican Research Scientific
-Consulting Centre for Expertises (RRSCCE)

http://www.extech.msk.su

Federal Environmental Emergency
Response Centre Federal Environmental
Emergency Response Centre (FEERC)

http://www.typhoon.mecom.ru