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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.
Rising Star Awards
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.
“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).
Enquiries: Cheryl van der Merwe.
or visit
www.risingstarawards.co.zaROUND UP
ENERGY + ENVIROFICIENCY
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
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
Rising Star Awards 2016
43
September ‘16
Electricity+Control