Beloyarsk has been granted a license for the BN-1200 reactor.

Russia's nuclear regulator, Rostechnadzor, has approved the construction of the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant's fifth unit, a BN-1200 fast neutron reactor, with preparatory work set to begin this year.

Last June, JSC Atomenergoproekt and Rosenergoatom, divisions of the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, signed a contract to create design documents for the BN-1200 sodium reactor.

This reactor is part of Rosatom's initiative to develop fast reactors with a closed fuel cycle, using mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel that can be processed and recycled. The Beloyarsk plant already has the BN-600 reactor, operational since 1980, and the BN-800 fast reactor, which started commercial operation in October 2016 and serves as a prototype for the upcoming BN-1200.

Rosatom anticipates that the BN-1200 will have a lifespan of at least 60 years, incorporating proven technologies from the BN-600 and BN-800 while also introducing innovations. These include four sodium circulation loops instead of three, increased space for direct fuel assembly unloading into the used fuel pool, and turbine condensers cooled by a chimney-type evaporative cooling tower.

The license was granted following a review of documents regarding the power unit's safety and compliance with regulations, according to Rosatom. Atomenergoproekt JSC also received a favorable assessment from the Ministry of Construction's Glavgosexpertiza for the preparatory design phase, confirming that site surveys met technical standards.

Ivan Sidorov, Director of Beloyarsk NPP, stated that implementing the BN-1200M reactor will enhance two-component nuclear engineering and maximize the ecological and economic benefits of a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The staff at Beloyarsk has extensive experience with the BN-600 and BN-800 reactors, making it suitable for developing the BN-1200M prototype.

Russia aims to complete the construction of Beloyarsk unit 5 by 2034, with preparatory work starting this year and the pouring of the first concrete planned for 2027.