OREANDA-NEWS. Reactor of the launching third power unit is assembled after loading of fuel assemblies with nuclear fuel and preparing for hydraulic tests in phase "physical start-up".

During hydro, which is planned to be started on November 25, work of the the main circulation pumps and other equipment of the first and second circuit of the reactor plant at different temperatures and pressures will be tested.

At the end of the test the second sub-step of the first criticality program will begin - output of the reactor at the minimum controlled power level. After series of physical tests in this sub-step the program will be ended up by the physical start.

During the start-up physical characteristics, required for the operation of the reactor, of the active area are being determined.

The decision on the readiness of the power unit №3 for the first criticality program was made on the basis of the target RTN inspection, during which had been verified the willingness of technological systems and equipment facility, the staff of the third power unit, operational documentation to conduct this operation.

The Rostovskaya nuclear power plant is a branch of JSC "Concern Rosenergoatom". The nuclear station is located on the bank of the Tsimlyansk Reservoir in 13,5 km from Volgodonsk. At nuclear station two power units with VVER-1000 reactors with an installed capacity of 1000 MWt are operated. The power unit No. 1 is put into commercial operation in 2001, the power unit No. 2 - in December, 2010.