Small and medium power reactors in the Soviet power-generating industry

In the two decades following the introduction of industrial-scale power-generating units at the Novo Voronezh and the Beloyarsk nuclear power plants, two main lines in the development of nuclear power stations emerged in the USSR nuclear power industry, based on the use of water-cooled, water-moderated vessel-type reactors and water-cooled, graphite-moderated channel-type reactors. In 1984, Soviet nuclear power plants accounted for 9.5% of the electric power generated. Over 140,000 million kW/h were generated (a growth of 27.5% compared with 1983), which is evidence of the significant, ever-increasing role of nuclear power stations in the overall picture of the country's power production. A substantial contribution to the USSR's nuclear power generation is made by stations with reactors of small and medium size (<= 440 MW(e) gross). Reactors of the WWER type, with an output of 440 MW(e) gross are installed at the Novo Voronezh, Armenia, Rovno and Kola nuclear power plants. At the Bilibino station four low-power (EGP-6 type) are installed. The installed power utilization factors of the units of these stations are in the range of 78-90%. The main characteristics of the two types of reactors mentioned above are given. The article includes a description in broad lines of the Soviet experience in using nuclear electric power and heating plants. The rigorism of the Soviet reactor safety regulations is stressed