Russia's state atomic energy corporation Rosatom is gearing up to introduce a series of 1,200 MW (BN-1200) fast breeding reactors, with plans for the initial unit to be connected to the grid by 2032, according to senior officials.
Officials revealed that once the BN-1200 reactors demonstrate smooth operation, Russia intends to extend the technology to other nations.
Andrey Smelov, Leader of the Technological Team overseeing the construction of the BN-1200 Unit, stated, "The BN-1200 reactor will be an IV generation sodium-cooled reactor. The design is finalized, and regulatory approval is anticipated in 2025. Construction at the Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Zarechny is slated to commence in 2026, with grid connection expected in 2032."
"This reactor will be the first of its size globally," added Ilya Filin, First Deputy Chief Engineer at Beloyarsk NPP.
Smelov also noted that the economics of the BN-1200 are comparable to Russia's VVER 1200 light water reactors, but refrained from commenting on the capital expenditure for the proposed project.
The BN-1200 plant represents an advancement over the sodium-cooled BN-600 and BN-800 fast reactors already operational at Beloyarsk NPP.
Designed to accommodate various nuclear power fuels, including uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) or Nitride fuel, the BN-1200 reactor marks a progression toward a closed fuel cycle, according to Smelov.
Furthermore, Smelov emphasized that the BN-1200 reactor's footprint will be similar to that of the BN-800 due to its design, despite containing fewer fuel assemblies (400 compared to 647 in BN-800 reactors).
Safety measures for BN-1200 reactors include both passive and active shutdown systems.
Russia's nuclear power strategy differs from that of India, which follows a three-stage program involving pressurized heavy water reactors, fast breeder reactors, and thorium reactors. Russia, in contrast, has a two-phased approach focusing on light water reactors and fast reactors.
India recently entered the second phase of its nuclear power program with the commencement of core loading for its sodium-cooled 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), constructed by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI).
Upon its commissioning, India will become only the second country, following Russia, to operate a commercial fast breeder reactor.
Officials at Beloyarsk NPP are closely monitoring the progress of India's PFBR and seek to gain insights into the project.
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