SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

First fuel for new Kursk nuclear power plant launched

The first delivery of nuclear fuel for the Kursk II power plant marks a key milestone in Russia's energy development.

Share:

Combustible nucléaire Koursk II

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE
The Kursk II nuclear power plant, located 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is preparing to load its first fuel assemblies into unit 1. Equipped with two VVER-TOI reactors, this plant represents the latest innovation in light water reactor design in Russia. Project background and progress Since the start of…

The Kursk II nuclear power plant, located 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is preparing to load its first fuel assemblies into unit 1. Equipped with two VVER-TOI reactors, this plant represents the latest innovation in light water reactor design in Russia.

Project background and progress

Since the start of construction in 2018, the Kursk II power plant has achieved several important milestones, including the installation of the polar crane in October 2021 and the reactor in June 2022. The completion of the outer dome in August 2023 also marked a significant step forward. The VVER-TOI reactors, each with a capacity of 3,300 MWt, are designed to generate 1,300 MWe gross. This advanced technology incorporates improved pressure vessels and enhanced thermal reliability, aimed at improving the plant’s technical and economic performance.

Executive comments and next steps

Alexander Uvakin, Director of the Kursk power plant, declared that the delivery of nuclear fuel proves the advanced state of construction of the first reactor. The next cold and hot tests should precede the reactor’s physical start-up phase. TVS VVER-TOI nuclear fuel is based on the VVER-1000 and VVER-1200 reactors. The new fuel enables increased fuel loading, higher thermal reliability and more effective core control.

Energy Transition and Future Prospects

The gradual closure of all four units of the existing Kursk nuclear power plant by 2031 is part of Russia’s energy modernization plan. The first unit was shut down in December 2021 after 45 years of operation. The remaining units will follow, marking the transition to more modern, efficient facilities. The Kursk II plant is part of this dynamic, replacing the old RBMK-1000 reactors with VVER-TOI units. This evolution is essential to meet growing safety andenergy efficiency requirements. The integration of new technologies and the efficient management of the 18-month fuel cycle position Kursk II as a model of performance in the nuclear sector.
The delivery of the first nuclear fuel to the Kursk II power plant represents a crucial milestone in the completion of this ambitious project. With significant improvements in technology and energy management, this plant promises to play a central role in Russia’s energy future.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
RWE secures two solar projects in North Rhine-Westphalia through a federal tender
IBM and NASA launch AI model to anticipate solar storm risks
Oman Unlocks $500 Million to Exploit Its Copper and Chrome Reserves
Pietro Mendes resigns from Petrobras to lead Brazilian oil agency ANP
Bahrain signs strategic energy agreement with EOG Resources
Malaysia Launches Strategic Study on Civil Nuclear Potential
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
Premier American Uranium finalizes the acquisition of Nuclear Fuels with Court approval
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Google and Kairos Power to Build a 50 MW Nuclear Reactor in Tennessee
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
X-energy and the Pentagon Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
NANO Nuclear Raises $209 Million and Accelerates Microreactor Deployment
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix secures 20 Radiant microreactors and a nuclear deal in the Netherlands
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
Oklo selected for three pilot projects by U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
Eleven US companies selected to fast-track small nuclear reactor testing
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
South Africa confirms environmental authorisation for Duynefontein nuclear power plant
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant signs contract to deliver nuclear microreactor to the US military in 2028
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
Gravelines’ six reactors shut down after massive jellyfish invasion
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
IAEA confirms tritium levels well below limits for 14th batch of ALPS-treated water
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Surveys for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant enter active phase
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China begins construction of the first two nuclear reactors at Jinqimen
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Indonesia approves site study for Thorcon nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island
The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
U.S. uranium production soars in 2024, reaching its highest level in a decade
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
Consent Preferences