Advances in the Physical Start-Up Test Program for VVER-1200 Power Units

Unit 1 of the Novovoronezh NPP-2 operating the first VVER-1200 reactor of the 3+ generation reached a critical state for the first time in May 2016, and the physical start-up of the power unit was carried out. The National Research Center Kurchatov Institute was the scientific supervisor of the start-up of the first-of-a-kind unit with the VVER-1200 reactor at the Novovoronezh NPP-2 and power units of the Belarusian NPP. By now, five VVER-1200 units have been commissioned. The experience gained during the preparation and conduct of physical tests at the first units was used during the start-up of the next ones. Specific features of the preparation and implementation of the program of physical tests at VVER-1200 units, which were developed and implemented by specialists of the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, are presented.