The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) completed the follow-up peer review at Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia noting that it has made significant development to ensure high quality results.
The review was part of cooperation between WANO and Rosenergoatom, operator of all Russian nuclear power plants and subsidiary of Rosatom state atomic energy corporation, according to a Rosatom press release.
Five experts from Russia, Ukraine and Armenia independently assessed progress achieved by the plant in the areas to be improved, marked by the 2017 peer review.
Experts collected 55 facts those confirm improvement of Smolensk NPP performance through observing work process, interviewing managers and personnel and analyzing documentation. Three areas were marked “A”, that means the stable progress in improvement. Six areas were marked “B”, that means apparent improvements and planned implementation process continues, as well as no revision of the plan is required.
“The peer review conducted by independent international experts is always useful because it shows the areas for improvement, helps ensure reliable and safe operation of the nuclear power plant,” says Pavel Lubensky, Director of Smolensk NP.
Annual power output of the Smolensk NPP averages 20 Billion kwh, which is more than 80% of the total output of the Smolensk region in Russia. The NPP was winner of the Best Nuclear Power Plant in 1992, 1993, 2010, 2011 and 2015, and became runner-up in 2012 and 2014.