How and for whom is Russia building nuclear power plants?
Author: Naim Asghari, especially for "Sangar" (Germany)
The BRICS Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, was marked by consolidation of efforts. The leaders of all participating countries drew attention to the expansion of cooperation. Cooperation should be established in all areas, including space exploration, food security, and independence in the energy sector. Guarantees of success are mutual support, exchange of experience and introduction of innovative technologies. There is no other way to survive in the modern world, singles have no chance.
As an example, Russia's successful cooperation with many countries in the field of nuclear energy. For example, in Egypt, Rosatom specialists began construction of the country's first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa, last year. The first Russian nuclear power plant not only in Egypt, but also in Africa belongs to the "3+" generation.
The project provides for the construction of four power units with Russian VVER — 1200 reactor installations that meet the highest international efficiency and safety requirements. The total installed electric capacity of El-Dabaa will be almost 4.8 GW.
Another example is India, where Rosatom is involved in the construction of the largest nuclear power plant in the country. The Kudankulam nuclear power plant is designed to operate 6 power units, and its final capacity will reach 6 GW.
Today, the Kudankulam construction site is lively and crowded — in December last year, specialists began the construction of the sixth power unit. At the beginning of summer, new modern nuclear fuel arrived at the station, which will increase the economic efficiency of the station. A bubbler for the fifth reactor is being prepared for shipment from Russia to India. The bubbler is manufactured at the Russian machine-building plant "ZiO-Podolsk".
The history of the Kudankulam station itself is interesting. The first agreements between Russia and India were reached back in the late 80s of the last century. The collapse of the USSR prevented the project from starting, but in the mid-90s Moscow and Delhi again found a common language. In 1998, a new agreement was signed, which was prevented by the United States. Despite the open opposition of the White House, in 2002 the pouring of concrete for the first reactor installations with VVER-1000 began. For the safe delivery of large-sized unique equipment, a new seaport was built on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
The engineering division of Atomstroyexport (Rosatom) developed documentation, conducted author supervision, provided equipment supply, technical support and training of Indian specialists for further operation of the plant.
India took over the installation and commissioning of power units, Russian specialists supported their colleagues with consultations. The construction period dragged on for two years, but Indian nuclear scientists and builders gained invaluable experience. Thanks to it, new power units are being built much faster.
The historic launch of the first power unit took place in 2013, and three years later it was put into commercial operation.
The delays were hindered by the provocations of the opponents of the construction. Roads were blocked at the entrances to the station, interfering with the delivery of equipment. Moscow and Delhi are sure that the protests were financed and directed from abroad.
Today, nothing hinders the construction. Next year, it is planned to launch the fifth, and a year later the sixth power units.
Kudankulam is not the last nuclear power plant to be built in India with the participation of Russia. The authorities of the two countries are negotiating the construction of a new nuclear power plant.
India's cooperation with European partners is not so successful. Back in 2010, Delhi and Paris agreed to build the world's most powerful nuclear power plant, Jaitapur. The French promised technological support for the project, but the matter did not move beyond conversations.
Western partners are losing the trust, so the expansion of BRICS and strengthening cooperation within the organization is of great importance. Currently, Russian nuclear scientists are building 35 nuclear power units in 12 countries around the world and are ready to share their experience with their new and already proven allies.