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

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90£/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90£/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 £/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99£/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 £/year from the second year.

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.

The sale of ODIN™ technology to Cambridge Atom Works allows NANO Nuclear to refocus on its modular gas reactor portfolio while capitalising on potential royalty revenue.
Canadian firm Aecon will collaborate with Estonia’s Fermi Energia on preparatory work for the BWRX-300 reactor, aiming to transfer Canadian expertise in small modular nuclear technology.
Kansai Electric Power will restart feasibility studies in November for a new reactor at Mihama, halted after Fukushima, as part of a prolonged public effort to revive investment in Japan’s nuclear sector.
Terra Innovatum has signed a memorandum of understanding with Conuar for the supply of key components for the industrial production of its SOLO micro-modular reactor, marking a strategic move into the South American market.
Validation of underground injection permits by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strengthens Dewey Burdock’s regulatory position and paves the way for state permitting expected in 2025.
Facing energy security challenges, several Southeast Asian countries are turning to nuclear and could invest up to $208bn to reach 25 GW of capacity, favouring small modular reactors.
A strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States aims to shorten nuclear licensing timelines and strengthen industrial cooperation around fusion and modular reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.