Electricity + Control September 2016

ENERGY + ENVIROFICIENCY

ROUND UP

First Generation III+ nuclear reactor provides electricity to the grid

On 5 August 2016 at 00 hours 35 minutes (GMT) Unit 6 at Novovo- ronezh NPP in Russia, which uses Rosatom’s innovativeVVER-1200 technology was connected to the national grid and produced its first 240 MW of electricity. Thus the most important and critical operation – the first trial of generation to the grid – has been suc- cessfully completed. Generation 3+ nuclear reactors are currently being built in the United States and France. However, the Russian Unit 6 is the first to the reach the stage of being connected to the grid.The full-time commercial operation of the Unit 6 is expected to begin at the end of 2016 after reaching 100% capacity and mandatory acceptance testing. Once connected to the grid the unit will operate for at least 60 years. Connection to the grid took place 5 months after the first criticality programme that was started in March 2016. “This event is our great victory, which crowns a huge amount of work in installation and adjustment of equipment, and complex process operations. It can be stated that all works were done reliably and safely.The operating personnel clearly understands the process, equipment operation safety and reliably,” Andrey Petrov, General Director of Rosenergoatom, Rosatom ’s power generation division. The connection to the grid was preceded by the turbine start up (approach to planned spin up in idling mode of the turbine genera-

tor’s rotor) and its trial work in idling. Specialists carried out a large set of checks and tests at different power build up stages, as well as inspection of different equipment was carried out.These measures were necessary to confirm reliability and safety of the power unit in its further operation. Valery Limarenko, President of NIAEP, Rosatom power engineer- ing and construction division, pointed out: “Rosatom is the world’s largest supplier of nuclear power plants in the global market.Today, we have made our positions stronger.This opens new opportunities for building up our presence in the global market.” The innovative power units of Generation III+ possess improved performance parameters.They are absolutely safe in operation and fully meet the IAEA’s post-Fukushima requirements.They feature a large number of passive safety systems, which are able to function even in case of a plant blackout and without operator’s intervention. Unit 6 of Novovoronezh NPP features a passive heat removal system from the reactor, hydrogen recombiners and a core catcher, which are unique and have no similarities worldwide.The commissioning of power unit 6 will raise the total power capacity of Novovoronezh NPP by 1,5 and will give a boost to theVoronezh regional economy. Enquiries: Ryan Collyer. RosatomAfrica. Email rcollyer@rosatom.co.za

Rising Star Awards

“We were thrilled to see the calibre of entrants this year – I am encouraged by the talent coming through the ranks across all in- dustries in South Africa,” said Laura Barker, Managing Director of BlackBark Productions, organisers of the Rising Star Programme. The awards are for young, talented individuals in the 28- 40 year age category, and form part of a unique platform where winners can go beyond just the recognition for work already done, and participate in a leadership and develop- ment programme throughout the year after winning. They also have a unique opportunity to network across industry sectors, with both their fellow winners, and minds in the country through a mentorship programme. (See page 47).

The past four years have seen the Rising Star Awards grow from strength to strength, each year identifying, recognising and celebrat- ing the young talent that South Africa has to offer.

Rising Star Awards 2016

Banking & Financial Services

Construction & Engineering

Energy & Environment

Entrepreneur

ICT (Telecoms & Technology)

Manufacturing, Retail & FMCG

Media & Marketing

Mining & Minerals

Professional Services

Service Public & Private

Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality

Transport, Logistics & Security

Brian Mahlangu

Charlene Joseph

Leon van Wyk

Grant Gavin

Gareth Kingston

LeratoLegoale

TsokuMaela

Rousseau Jooste

DapoAdeyemo

NomthandazoDlanga

Thabo Ngoepe

NtsakoNukeri

Enquiries: Cheryl van der Merwe. Email cherylvdm@gmail.com or visit www.risingstarawards.co.za

Nedbank

Liviero Group (Pty) Ltd

Eskom Holdings SOC Limited

RE/MAX PANACHE

Britehouse - A Division of Dimension Data

Aberdare Cables

Okuhle Media

AngloAmerican

Khonology

Johannesburg Property Company

Emperors Palace - Peermont Global

Transnet Freight Rail

September ‘16 Electricity+Control

43