A Bangladesh delegation comprising the Ambassador to Russia Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque,
representatives of Ministry of Science and Technology and other concerned departments visited
the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant in Russia. The Novovoronezh NPP is the reference
project for the under construction Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh.
The delegation, accompanied by Vladimir Zarubaev, Deputy Chief Engineer for Inspection
Atomenergoproekt went round the different facilities of power units 6 and 7 of the Novovoronezh
NPP. The delegation was explained the operational aspects and advantages of new generation
VVER-1200 reactors being used at those units.
They also visited the complex gas-insulated switchgear of 500 kV (GIS–500), protected
emergency response control post (FP), and the block power unit control post. They were shown
condensate purification plant (CPP) and the fresh fuel storage facilities, cooling tower of power
unit- 6 as well. The cooling tower is a vital 172 m high hydraulic structure, which serves for
cooling circulating water in the second circuit and thereby cooling of the reactor itself.
The delegation went round the under construction turbine hall and reactor compartment of
power unit No.7, as well as the laboratory for environmental monitoring and the training center.
Bangladesh Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the high standard of safety maintained
at the nuclear power plant.
Power units No.6 and No.7 of the Novovoronezh NPP are a typical design of the new 3+
generation Russian NPPs with improved technical and economic figures. They are constructed
according to the “NPP-2006” design and equipped with a VVER-1200 reactor. The design is
based on half a century’s experience of secure and accident-free operation of NPPs with VVER
reactors. The current design takes into account the implementation of requirements of Russian
scientific and technical documentation and IAEA recommendations.
The main feature of the innovative power units is the use of additional passive safety systems
combined with traditional active systems. The design of the units provides protection against
earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and plane crashes. The reactor hall has a double
containment; the core catcher is installed under the reactor vessel, the power unit is equipped
with a residual heat removal system.
The power unit- 6 of Novovoronezh NPP is at the physical start up stage at the moment and will
be connected to the grid very shortly. This will be the first ever 3+ generation NPP of the world
to generate electricity on commercial basis.