Atomenergoproyekt to make preparations in 2013 to build Smolensk NPP-2
MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax) - Atomenergoproyekt, the general designer for Smolensk NPP-2, will do preparatory work in 2013 for the construction of the replacement nuclear power plant, the company said in a statement.
The company plans to begin pre-design engineering surveys of competing sites for the future plant in February-March. This will include examination of plugged wells and drilling of new wells to assess the level and chemical composition of groundwater, installation of aerological and meteorological equipment, and selection of sites for seismic stations and water measuring posts.
Large-scale engineering surveys, including topographical, geodesic, geological, geophysical and hydrological survey work, are expected to begin in May, when weather conditions will allow full-scale field studies. The season of field work for surveys is expected to wrap up in October.
In the course of the year, Atomenergoproyekt will study transport plans for delivery of oversized and heavy equipment to the site of Smolensk NPP-2
The company will also prepare materials in 2013 supporting the rationale for location license, including several chapters of a preliminary report rationalizing safety; materials rationalizing the investment and environmental impact assessment; and a program to ensure quality in the selection of the site for the plant.
The head of state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Sergei Kiriyenko said earlier that the first unit of Smolensk NPP-2 would be built by 2024. At the end of 2012, the Federal Environmental, Technological and Atomic Oversight Service extended the service life of generating unit No. 1 at the existing Smolensk NPP for another ten years, until December 25, 2022. The initial plan was to extend the operating license by 15 years to 2027.
Smolensk NPP operates three generating units with RBMK-1000 reactors with capacity of 1000 MW each, which were built in 1982, 1985 and 1990.
