This file is no longer being updated. For information on
developments in the nuclear power industry, please see the Nuclear
Power Developments section.
Polyarnyye Zori, 50km
from the Finnish border, 200km from the Norwegian border[1]
Address: Kola AES, Polyarnyye
Zori, Murmansk Oblast, 184151
Telephone: (81532) 68350[2]
http://www.ibrae.ac.ru/~lgis/kola/
Director: Yuriy Kolomtsev
Plant Manager: Vladimir Schmidt
Chief Engineer: Vasiliy Omelchuk
Units 1 and 2: VVER-440 PWR, Model V-230 (first
generation)
Units 3 and 4: VVER-440 PWR, Model V-213 (second generation)
Four
Unit 1: initial criticality 6/73 (operational 6/73)
Unit 2: initial criticality 11/74 (operational 12/74)
Unit 3: initial criticality 2/81 (operational 3/81)
Unit 4: initial criticality 10/84 (operational 10/84)
411 MWe per operating unit
Units 1 and 2: enriched to 3.6 percent
Units 3 and 4: enriched to 3.3 percent
On 1 June 1994, Nucnet News reported that Units 1
and 2 were ready to be removed from service.[1] On 16 June 1994, Foreign
Report reported that three of the four VVER-440 units were shut down.[2]
Although Minatom officials plan to replace Units 1 and 2 with V-640 PWRs
in 2003 and 2004, respectively, Kola management officials say that, instead,
the two units will be upgraded for continued operation for up to 10 more
years if regulators at Gosatomnadzor agree.[3] In December 1997 the service
lives of Units 1 and 2 were extended for five to seven years beyond 2004.[4]
In April 1998 Gosatomnadzor gave the Kola NPP a license to operate Unit
3 until 2011.[5] Unit 3 was under repair as of Fall 1998.[4] As of May
1998, Gosatomnadzor is investigating the possibility of licensing
Unit 4 through 2014.[5] Unit 4 was repaired during the summer of 1998,
and put back online in August 1998 after new fuel elements were loaded.[4]
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has been assisting
with safety improvements at Kola, focusing particularly on improving the
safety of day-to-day operations and upgrading critical plant safety systems.
To promote management and operational safety, Kola NPP personnel underwent
training in the development of improved operating safety procedures.
In addition, emergency operating instructions to improve accident mitigation
strategies were drafted. The transfer of training methodology and materials for
safety and maintenance measures developed at the Balakovo Training
Center to the Kola NPP is ongoing. Instructors at Kola NPP have been
trained in the methodology. A pilot course on laser shaft alignment,
enhanced through the provision of laser shaft alignment equipment, has been
implemented. Additional training courses in mechanical maintenance
and rotating equipment alignment were designed and implemented. Construction
of a full-scope plant simulator began in 1995 and was scheduled for completion
in September 1999. The Kola NPP was provided with key components for the
VVER-440/213 full-scope simulator including power supplies, a computer
complex, control panels and instrumentation. DOE installed several
engineering and technology upgrades including seismically qualified batteries
at Units 1 and 2 and confinement isolation valves to limit the spread of
radioactive materials in the case of an accident. The project to reduce
leaks in the Unit 2 confinement system was successfully completed by sealing
the confinement leakage paths and installing post-accident confinement
radiation monitors. To improve plant safety evaluations, technical guidelines
and input models were established. An in-depth safety assessment
(ISA) was conducted for Unit 4, which was supported by the completion of
probabilistic risk assessment training. In addition, a deterministic
safety analysis for Units 1 and 2 was initiated. A RELAP safety training
workshop on plant safety analysis tools and methods for developing thermal-hydraulic
plan models for performing the Unit 4 ISA was conducted; the RELAP model
for Unit 4 was subsequently completed and verified.
At Kola, solid waste is compacted after sorting it, while
combustible waste is burned. As of October 1996, the liquid waste
storage facility was 70-85 percent full.
After the year 2000, three new VVER-640 reactors will replace
units currently in operation. The VVER-640 is a new generation nuclear
reactor designed during a three-year joint Russian-German project conducted
by Minatom and the German company Siemens.
The Kola NPP provides nearly 65 percent of the power used in Murmansk Oblast
and Karelia.[1] In 1987 a training center was established at Kola NPP that
provides training for reactor, turbine, electrical, and instrumentation
and control (I&C) systems staff.
(For more recent developments,
see the Nuclear
Power Developments file):
5/2000: KOLA NPP EMPLOYEE SENTENCED
TO NINE YEARS FOR THEFT OF NPP COMPONENTS
In May 2000 25-year-old Aleksey Sharkin,
a worker for one of the enterprises that provides services to Kola NPP,
was sentenced to nine years in jail for stealing components from the Kola
NPP. On 9 April 1999 Sharkin entered the NPP grounds using his service
pass, then stole several electronic components from the Unit 1 transformer
and voltage stabilizer, causing the oil pressure gauges to shut down, which
in turn set off the reactor's emergency safety system. The theft
resulted in 1.5 million rubles (about $53,000 as of 12 May 2000) worth
of damages. Sharkin was caught one week after the theft, and admitted
that he had stolen components from transformers that were shut off on several
occasions; the April theft was the first time he had stolen something from
an active transformer. In an unrelated May 1999 theft at Kola NPP,
sensors were stolen from the Unit 4 radiation monitoring system (see the
5/99 entry, below, for more information). Those
thieves have not yet been apprehended.
12/99: NORWEGIAN AND FINNISH RADIATION
MONITORING PROJECTS ON KOLA
Russia and Norway have signed an agreement
allowing Norway to build several new radiation-monitoring stations on the
Kola Peninsula.[1] Norway, in cooperation with Finland, set up a network
of eight control stations at the Kola peninsula in the mid-1990s, but they
were disconnected in February 1996 when Russia cut the telephone link.
Since that time, the stations have been monitored manually. A satellite
connection between the Finnish Radiation Protection Center and the Kola
NPP also depends upon Kola operators manually pressing a button to sound
an alarm. Since 1997, two additional stations have been set up. Plans
for upgrading the existing ten stations, in addition to the further expansion
of radiation monitoring equipment, are under consideration in Norway.[2,3]
5/99: EUROPEAN COMMISSION REJECTS
KOLA NPP APPLICATIONS FOR FIRE EQUIPMENT
According to Vasiliy Omelchuk, Kola NPP Chief Engineer, European Commission
officials have rejected five applications for aid to Kola NPP. The
latest rejection was for new fire detection and protection equipment, without
which, Omelchuk says, "we are in despair." EC officials have approved
four projects, including assistance with safety valves, liquid waste treatment,
and the burners in the plant's incineration unit. An EC official
said some applications were turned down because of difficulties in finding
suitable Western companies to do the work.
5/20/99: NEW EMERGENCY SIMULATOR INSTALLED AT KOLA NPP
On 20 May 1999, Kola NPP specialists put into operation a
new multipurpose emergency simulator. This was the result of five years
of joint work with scientists from France, Germany, and Belgium. This simulator
will help Kola NPP scientists simulate any emergency and pre-emergency
situation. It will display operational data for the reactors, "engine room,"
and other facilities.
5/4/99: SCIENTISTS PROPOSE CONVERSION
OF KOLA NPP TO GAS
Dr. Igor Stepanov of the Institute of Physical and Technological
Problems of Power Engineering in Northern Areas, Kola
Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, has proposed that the
Kola NPP be converted to operate using natural gas. The Kola-Karelia
region is already slated for a gasification program, at a cost of $1.5
billion. The Institute's scientists project that conversion of the
two oldest reactors to gas steam generators would cost $290 million, and
would take far less time than the construction of the new Kola
NPP-2.
5/99: ANOTHER THEFT AT KOLA NPP
In mid-May, a theft occurred at Kola NPP, the second in two
months.[1] Two components of the radiation monitoring system of Unit 4
were stolen, causing the plant to lose automatic monitoring of radiation
levels in that reactor.[1,2] The stolen items were recovered and replaced
the following day.[2] Sources differ on the length of time before radiation
monitoring was restored. While Bellona stated that monitoring was restored
in 24 hours,[1] Kommersant reported that it took several days to
restore the monitoring system. According to the Russian Ministry
of Emergency Situations, the theft did not cause an emergency situation.[2]
The plant's authorities suspect that one or more members of a subcontractor
team stole the items. The theft appeared to be opportunistic, since the
items stolen would have had little resale value. Kola NPP administration
did not report the theft to the police until 27 May, choosing instead
to conduct an internal investigation, but were not able to identify the
thief.[1,2] Damage was estimated at $6000.[2]
4/9/99: KOLA EMPLOYEE INVOLVED
IN THEFT ATTEMPT
On 9 April 1999, a Kola NPP employee
attempted to remove oil pressure gauges from one of the turbogenerators
of the Kola-1 reactor unit. His attempt to steal the instruments
set off the reactor's emergency safety system, and he fled the scene after
taking some components that were made of precious metals.[1,2] An
investigation by Murmansk Oblast Federal Security Service (FSB) and Ministry
of Internal Affairs (MVD) authorities led to the arrest of the man on 16
April 1999, who confessed to stealing the components with the intent to
sell them.[2] NTV reported that this was the first time Kola employees
had attempted to steal functioning plant equipment.[1] The FSB and
MVD plan to adopt new measures to prevent such attempts in the future.[2]
1998: EBRD-FUNDED SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO BE COMPLETED IN 1998
The Project Management Unit (PMU) at Kola NPP, which is jointly staffed
by Kola plant personnel and European Nuclear Assistance Consortium (ENAC)
consultants, has placed all the contracts for 13 EBRD-funded safety improvement
projects at the plant. The majority of the project hardware is to
be delivered to the site in the fall of 1998, with installation scheduled
to be completed in 1998. The contracts, the subject of a Grant Agreement
between the EBRD and the Russian Federation, are for the following equipment:
ultrasonic inspection equipment (Tecnatom, Spain); off-site radiation monitoring
(Hormann, Germany); steam generator safety valves (Sebim, France); control
valves for the decay heat system (Severn Glocon, UK); control valves for
the pressuriser spray system (Sempell, Germany); steam generator leak monitoring
system (MGP, France); fire protection for control panels (Cegelec, France);
fire protection for floor coverings, etc. (Spetskhimmontazh, Russia); instrumentation
for accident conditions (Cegelec), reactor measurement equipment (Inkor,
Russia); remote shutdown panel (Elektropupt, Russia); control room ventilation
(IVO Power Engineering, Finland); level measurement for active waste storage
tanks (MSIR, Russia).
1/98: NORWEGIAN SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR KOLA NPP
Norway is currently constructing a liquid radwaste processing facility
and a mobile facility to supply water to reactors during emergencies at
Kola. Norway is also commissioning a diagnostic center with equipment
to detect malfunctions in operating reactors.
7/97: NORWEGIAN SAFETY EQUIPMENT, FINNISH TRAINING SIMULATOR CLEARED
THROUGH CUSTOMS
After several visits to Russia by Norwegian Under Secretary of State Siri
Bjerke,[1,2] Norwegian security equipment for the Kola NPP finally got
through Russian customs without Norway paying the 40 percent customs duty
demanded earlier.[3] After Norway's success, Finland sent a training simulator
for Units 1 and 2. The simulator, which uses software developed by
the Technical Research Center of Finland and the Finnish state-owned utility
Imatran Voima Oy (IVO), was installed by IVO Power Engineering Ltd., an
IVO subsidiary. Finland covered the cost of the $600,000 simulator.
The simulator is expected to go online in fall 1997.[4]
4/97: NORWEGIAN SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR KOLA NPP
CONFISCATED BY RUSSIAN CUSTOMS
Customs authorities in Murmansk confiscated equipment
sent from the Institute for Energy Technology in Halden, Norway, destined
for the Kola NPP.
9/96: NORWEGIAN SAFETY PROJECTS AT KOLA
Norway has nearly completed the first phase of safety projects at the Kola
NPP. These projects include installation of a mobile emergency generator
to restart the main pumps if ordinary power sources fail; mobile phones
and pagers; laboratory equipment to monitor and analyze water quality;
TV-monitoring equipment; and instruments to monitor pump vibrations.
The second phase of safety projects has begun, including the installation
of a computerized maintenance and quality control system; a computer system
to provide information on all safety functions at the Kola NPP (this is
part of a joint project with Finland); ultrasonic inspection equipment
for checking welding joints and materials; and gamma radiation measuring
equipment. Also, fire safety and fire precautions at the plant will be
evaluated, in order to determine what further safety measures may be necessary.
1996: EBRD WILL HELP IMPROVE SECURITY AT KOLA
The EBRD decided at its annual conference to double its capital,
and to make a portion of its funds available for reconstruction of facilities
in Russia, including enhancement of the safety systems at the Kola and
Sosnovyy Bor NPPs.
9/24/96: EBRD TO EXTEND ECU 22 MILLION CREDIT TO KOLA
NPP
The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
will extend ECU22 million in credits to the Kola Nuclear Power Plant for
the purchase of radiation- control equipment. The equipment will be purchased
from European manufacturers; while the sellers will be determined after
a tender slated for this year, it is expected that the equipment will be
chiefly of French and German manufacture.
9/20/96: FINNS IMPRESSED BY KOLA SAFETY CULTURE
A 16-member team of experts from Finland, Sweden, and Russia
recently visited the Kola NPP and were impressed by the improvements in
safety culture at the plant. Jukka Laaksonen, a security expert who participated
in the inspection, noted that all 1,500 instruments at the plant had been
refurbished. The team did, however, find areas for improvement: radioactive
emissions should be reduced and a spare parts storage facility needs to
be renovated. Finland plans to establish a training program at Loviisa
NPP for Russian nuclear plant employees, in order to help further improve
operations procedures.
7/25/95: KOLA 1&2 AMONG TOP 10 UNSAFE REACTORS
According to a report submitted by US Pacific Northwest Laboratory
to the US Council for Environmental Protection, Units 1 and 2 at the Kola
nuclear power plant are among the 10 most unsafe reactors worldwide.[1]
However, Terry Lash, Director of the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy states
that information in the 25 July 1995 report is misleading since some of
it dates back to May 1993.
6/95: THIRTEEN DISRUPTIONS IN SIX MONTHS
Gosatomnadzor reported that 13 disruptions occurred during
the first six months of 1995 at the Kola nuclear power plant.
6/95: KOLA TO RECEIVE SIMULATORS
It was reported that Kola will receive simulators to train
its VVER-440 operators. The simulators will be provided by a West European
consortium consisting of Belgatom, Corys, Siemens, and Thomson.
4/26/95: KOLA PLANT TO RECEIVE $25 MILLION GRANT
It was reported that the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD) would provide the Kola nuclear facility with a $25
million grant for safety improvements at the beginning of 5/95. The improvements
are scheduled to be completed by the end of 1997. It has been suggested
that high Russian import tariffs could hinder implementation of the project.
4/6/95: TACIS AND PHARE TO PROVIDE SIMULATORS
It was reported that the Kola nuclear power plant would receive
VVER-230 and VVER-213 simulators as part of the European Union's TACIS
and PHARE technical assistance programs. The simulators are manufactured
by the European Simulation Consortium, composed of Belgian, French, and
German companies (Belgatom, Corys, Siemens, and Thomson). The simulators
are being provided as part of a project scheduled to operate from January
1995 through December 1996.
1/95: SIMULATORS IN OPERATION AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION
AT KOLA
It was reported that there are simulators in operation at
Kola Units 3 and 4, and under construction at Units 1-4.
10/21/94: KOLA EXPANSION MEETS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Russian and IAEA experts have determined that a proposed
expansion of the Kola plant meets international and Russian safety requirements.
9/94: FINLAND TO PROVIDE KOLA WITH SIMULATOR
Finland's IVO International will supply the Kola station
with an Advanced Process Simulator (APROS).
5/4/94: KOLA UNIT 4 SHUT DOWN
Unit 4 was shut down because of "a technical fault in the
security system." Unit 3 was shut down at the end of 1993.
3/9/94: THIRD LEAK UNCONFIRMED
A third leak at the Kola station may have occurred, although
there has been no confirmation. The president of Rosenergoatom, Erik Pozdyshev,
stated that the unit has been shut down in order to "get rid of the steam."
3/6/94: COOLANT LEAKS AT KOLA UNITS 2 AND
3
On 6 March 1994, a coolant leak occurred in Unit 3. Three
days earlier (3 March 1994), as Unit 2 was being shut down for maintenance,
it experienced a coolant leak involving 50 cubic meters of coolant. Gosatomnadzor
rated the leak as a Level 1 or 2 on the INES after telling French experts
it was serious enough to warrant a Level 3 rating.[1] The two units were
shut down.[2]
3/94: TWO KOLA REACTORS SHUT DOWN
Two reactors were shut down when vibrations caused a pipe
to hit against a wall.
1993: ONE FOURTH OF ALL RUSSIAN INCIDENTS TOOK
PLACE AT KOLA
Twenty five percent of all incidents at Russian nuclear power
plants in 1993 occurred at Kola. These were believed to have been caused
by a combination of weak regulation, poor employee morale, and severe funding
shortages.
Last updated 24 October 2000
For more recent developments,
see the Nuclear
Power Developments file.
Comments or questions? Contact Cristina Chuen at MIIS
CNS: cristina.chuen@miis.edu
This material is produced independently for NTI
by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the
Monterey Institute of International Studies and
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has
not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers,
employees, agents. Copyright © 2010 by MIIS.
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