Energy Ministry explains reasons behind Belarusian nuclear power plant's power grid disconnections

MINSK, 10 March (BelTA) – The Energy Ministry has explained reasons behind disconnections of the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant from the power grid, BelTA has learned.

The Energy Ministry reminded that the first unit is in the pilot commercial operation stage. During this stage the reactor's power levels have to be gradually raised (75%, 90%, 100% of the nominal power) and the necessary tests have to be performed, including the unit's disconnection from the power grid and a routine shutdown. It has to be done in order to thoroughly test all the systems and equipment and confirm their designed reliability and safety parameters. Specialists are expected to study neutron physics parameters of the reactor core, the reactor's behavior in various scenarios, carry out integrated tests of in-core instrumentation systems, and test the full shutdown regime in addition to carrying out other important studies.

The pilot commercial operation stage is supposed to last for a certain period of time. The Energy Ministry reminded that the first unit of the Belarusian nuclear power plant consists of about 285,000 units of various equipment and systems. Certain tests need to be followed by routine breaks used for inspections and for evaluating the effective operation of the systems and their tuning if necessary. The work has to proceed stage by stage and the reactor unit's disconnection from the power grid is part of the routine process. “Specialists have to make sure that all the systems and equipment will operate within designed parameters,” the Belarusian Energy Ministry stressed.

Additional tuning will be carried out on the basis of results of startup and commissioning operations. “This is why the tests are being done. Everything should work smoothly and reliably and ensure complete safety of the reactor unit,” the press service noted.

Specialists have completed 259 tests out of the 394 tests the pilot commercial operation stage is supposed to include. A lot of work has yet to be done, including while the unit is disconnected from the power grid. The number of routine shutdowns is determined by the test program. This approach is compliant with the international practice, the Belarusian Energy Ministry pointed out.