04.10.2011
JSC Atomstroyexport, a company of State Corporation Rosatom and a general contractor of Belene NPP construction project, National Electrical Company (NEC) of Bulgaria and an architect-engineer (Worley Parsons) have prepared a report “Stress-tests of European NPPs after Fukushima events”. Belene NPP safety assessment.”
The report has been worked out jointly by the experts of the international company Worley Parsons (WP) and JSC ASE specialists. The basis for the report preparation was the Technical Design, Interim Safety Analysis Report (ISAR) and Probabilistic Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) of Belene NPP in part of the plant’s resistance to external natural impacts. When preparing the report, the abovementioned experts and specialists took into account the requirements of the Stress-Tests Meeting prepared on the basis of the proposals from Western European Nuclear Regulators Association (WENRA).
In their report the international experts performed the analysis concerning the impact of earthquakes, floods, extreme climatic conditions, as well as considered the measures for improving the management of severe accidents. The report analyses the sources of external floods, considers protective measures from external floods, provides an assessment of rated water levels and possible consequences for the NPP, as well as results of investigation related to consequences of the NPP safety function loss during such possible events as the loss of external power supply, loss of terminal absorber, severe accidents.
The analysis of results obtained from the additional assessment of Belene NPP safety has proved the reliability of adopted design solutions from the viewpoint of safety assurance at the highest level. Belene NPP design stipulates the safety systems providing the automatic operation aimed at maintenance or recovery of critical safety functions under the conditions of beyond the design basis accidents.
The comprehensive analysis and international expert assessments prove that Belene NPP design ensures the highest level of safety complying with all international codes and standards and relates to a new generation of nuclear power plants III+.
The joint report on Belene NPP project stress-test has been submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA). IAEA mission to Sofia for consideration of the report on additional assessment of Belene NPP safety is planned for December 12, 2011.
Reference:
In 2005 there was announced an international tender for construction of Belene NPP, which was won by JSC Atomstroyexport. On November 29, 2006 NEK EAD and JSC ASE signed an Agreement for Belene NPP construction. On January 18, 2008 there was signed a Contract Agreement for Belene NPP construction.
The Russian design of Belene NPP construction is acknowledged as compliant with all European Utility Requirements (EUR) for Light-Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plants of new generation. In 2010 the Technical Design of Belene NPP, including the Interim Safety Analysis Report (ISAR) and Probabilistic Safety Analysis Report, was approved by the Technical Counsel of the National Electrical Company of Bulgaria and submitted for consideration to the Nuclear Regulatory Agency. The experts from Bulgaria, Russia, Germany, USA, Great Britain, South Africa and IAEA were involved in the comprehensive study of the Russian design.
Within the framework of Belene NPP construction, Russian, European and Bulgarian factories received the orders and manufacture the equipment of long manufacturing cycle. Not less than 30% of equipment supplies, works and services for Belene NPP will be localized in Bulgaria.
