SS RNPP, receiving inspection of fresh nuclear fuel, core reload, reactor testing of pilot RCPS absorber rods manufactured by NFC STE and SS “Atomenergomash”

In May 2024, NFC STE specialists performed a scope of works at SS RNPP of  JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” aimed at further diversification of nuclear fuel supplies and provision of Ukrainian NPPs with VVER-1000 reactors with RCPS absorber rods (reactor control and
protection system absorber rods). As a result of the coordinated effort of the NFC STE team, three critical tasks were performed within in a short time.

As part of the project on providing technical support for the implementation of Westinghouse fuel at Ukrainian NPPs, the specialists took part in the acceptance and receiving inspection of a reload batch of fresh Westinghouse fuel for VVER reactors at SS RNPP of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom”. All fuel assemblies supplied by Westinghouse have successfully passed the receiving inspection, confirming the high quality of the fuel supplied to Ukrainian NPPs and characterizing Westinghouse as a reliable supplier.

At the same time, NFC STE specialists participated in core reloading at the site of SS RNPP of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” during the 2024 outage. NFC STE specialists monitored the reloading operations step by step in accordance with the WSE recommended loading sequences. NFC STE specialists made all necessary records of technical parameters during core reloading. The core reloading at the unit of SS RNPP of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” was performed successfully without any complications and problems.

In addition to the above two activities on further diversification of nuclear fuel supplies, a significant event also took place related to diversification of supplies of RCCA, which are also the key elements of VVER-1000 core. During the core reload in the 2024 outage, the first pilot RCCAs manufactured by the NFC STE NSC KIPT NASU and SS “Atomenergomash” of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” were loaded in the core for reactor tests (delivery for pilot operation). Preliminary tests of the RCCA carried out, as provided for by the Reactor Testing Program and Operating Regulations, confirmed the required quality of the RCCA manufactured by Ukrainian enterprises.

We hope the Ukrainian-made RCCAs successfully pass the “pilot operation”, congratulate the NFC STE team on the perfectly fulfilled tasks and wish them further achievements!