Russia has begun preparations for the construction of new nuclear reactors near the border with Finland
Kyiv • UNN
The Russian regulator has allowed Rosatom to carry out preparatory work for two new reactors at the Kola Nuclear Power Plant, 100 km from Finland. Finland considers replacing old reactors safer, but cooperation has been suspended due to the war.
The Russian state corporation "Rosatom" has received permission to prepare for the construction of two new nuclear reactors at the Kola Nuclear Power Plant in the Murmansk region, approximately 100 km from the border with Finland. This is reported by The Barents Observer, writes UNN.
Details
The Russian regulator Rostekhnadzor has allowed preparatory work to begin in the city of Polyarnye Zori. The new reactors are to replace the two oldest power units of the Kola NPP, which were put into operation back in the 1970s.
Finland considers the new reactors safer
Leading expert of the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) Aapo Tanskanen stated that replacing old reactors with new ones is positive from a safety perspective. According to him, the new reactors use the proven VVER technology, which is also used at nuclear power plants in Finland and other European countries.
At the same time, he noted that after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, cooperation between STUK and Russian nuclear enterprises was suspended, although international agreements on mutual notification in the event of nuclear accidents remain in force.
Preparatory work at the site will include clearing the territory, building access roads, and creating infrastructure for future construction. The commissioning of the new reactors is expected in about 10 years, after which they will gradually replace all four operating power units of the Kola NPP.