Nuclear power in the Soviet Union and in Russia

Abstract

This paper contains a brief description of nuclear power reactor designs, which gives a base planning of its development and provides the scientific and research basis of its further realization. The paper states the successive stages of these plans, their modifications and fulfilment. The article dwells upon the peculiarities of the technical solutions for three main types of reactors and NPPs in more detail, which constitute the base for commercial nuclear power in the Soviet Union and Russia: pressurized water vessel-type (VVER), channel graphite type with boiling water cooling (RBMK) and fast neutron type with sodium coolant (BN). Also stated is the development of safety principles in Soviet nuclear power and the transformation of corresponding technical solutions in the plants' designs. The article describes specific traits of NPP equipment construction, which are different from Western analogues, and whch resulted from the independent development of corresponding technologies and constructions. The article also discusses the main solutions in connection with the new generation of nuclear power plants, demonstrating the necessarily increased safety level, which are being constructed at present, as well as the scientific and technical base which enables the realization of these solutions. The conclusion contains a discussion relating the place of nuclear power in the Russian power industry, updated prognoses of its possible development, its long-term supply of nuclear fuel, and the economic competitiveness of nuclear energy sources compared with fossil fuel ones.