en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 27th, AEM-Spetsstal, a mechanical engineering subsidiary of Rosatom, has commenced the production of the latest VVER-TOI reactor pressure vessel for Unit 3 of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant Phase II project. This marks a rapid transition of Russia's Generation III+ enhanced pressurized water reactor technology from prototype manufacturing to batch production.
For this manufacturing process, the entire pressure vessel will utilize special steel ingots with a total weight exceeding 2150 tons. A key design innovation of the VVER-TOI is the complete elimination of welded joints in its reactor vessel section, replacing the traditional six-point welding design with a four-point welding design. This not only simplifies the process and accelerates production but also significantly enhances structural integrity and reliability.
The reactor is manufactured from special steel capable of maintaining performance under long-term irradiation and high temperatures. Its design life is up to 100 years (extendable by 40 years after the baseline 60-year lifespan), substantially improving the long-term economics of the power plant. Compared to the previous generation VVER-1000, its unit power output is increased by 25% to 1255 megawatts, and it integrates both active and passive safety systems.
The Kursk NPP Phase II is a key project in Russia's national power development plan, aiming to construct four VVER-TOI units to replace the existing RBMK units. Currently, Unit 1 has been connected to the grid and reached full power operation, Unit 2 is undergoing system testing preparations, and the foundation pouring for the reactor building of Unit 3 has been completed, with the first layer of the containment structure set to be lifted into place soon.
AEM-Spetsstal is the only enterprise in Russia with full-cycle production capability for such nuclear-grade heavy forgings. The commencement of production for this third VVER-TOI reactor validates Russia's complete independent industrial capability in manufacturing key equipment for advanced nuclear power units, providing solid support for its domestic nuclear power upgrades and expansion into overseas markets.
