OREANDA-NEWS. The head of IAEA Operational Safety Department Miroslav Lipar was satisfied with the results of his preliminary visit to Balakovo NPP. The visit was part of the preparations for the OSART mission in 2008. Lipar will head the mission, reported the press-centre of  Balakovo NPP. “Already today we are impressed with Balakovo’s preparations for the mission. I am satisfied with the results of my visit to the plant. The plant’s equipment, safety systems and documents are in perfect condition; everything is well-organized and clean. The personnel have shown very high qualification,” Lipar said after the visit.

Last week Balakovo NPP was proclaimed the Best NPP of 2006. The plant won the award in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2005. Balakovo NPP is the biggest electricity producer in Russia. In 2006 the plant produced 30,412bln KWh. The capacity factor made up 86,8%. Last year Balakovo and Kola NPPs were proclaimed the safest NPPs in Russia. Balakovo NPP won the Education and Professional Training nomination of the 6th All-Russian Contest “Russian Organization of High Social Efficiency.” It is the laureate of the All-Russian Contest “1000 Best Enterprises and Organizations of Russia - 2006” - the plant got in top 100.