Rosatom manufactured fuel for the first refueling of the second reactor at the Akademik Lomonosov FNPP

The FNPP is based on two icebreaker propulsion KLT-40S reactors. In the case of these reactors, refueling differs from that in conventional ground-based high-power units (partial refueling every 12-18 months). These reactors require refueling once every few years with an unloading of the entire reactor core and complete replacement with fresh fuel.

KLT-40S core consists of fuel assemblies, control rods and startup neutron sources. A commission with the participation of a representative of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (the body authorized to accept nuclear fuel for propulsion reactors) accepted the fuel assemblies prior to their shipment to the FNPP.

The refueling of Unit 1 (the so-called starboard side of the FNPP) took place at the end of 2023. The first refueling on the left side of the FNPP is scheduled to take place before the end of 2024. This will be a significant milestone in the history of the plant, meaning the completion of a fuel campaign at the two reactors of the FNPP as designed.

The integrated development of the Russian Arctic is a national strategic priority. Increasing the cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route is crucial to the tasks set in the field cargo shipping. This corridor is progressing due to regular shipments, building of new nuclear icebreakers and modernization of the relevant infrastructure. Rosatom companies are actively involved in this task.