Jan 6, 2026
The fourth shell of the BREST-OD-300 peripheral cavity has been installed.
The final shell of the peripheral cavity has been added to the BREST-OD-300 lead-cooled fast neutron reactor located in Seversk, within Russia's Tomsk region.
Ivan Babich from the Experimental and Demonstration Energy Complex at the Siberian Chemical Combine reported that the pressure vessel of the BREST-OD-300 reactor block is currently about 70% complete.
He mentioned that in 2026, the lead coolant circulation system will be developed, the concrete for the vessel will be finalized, and the main internal components will be installed. The assembly of the reactor vessel is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
The upcoming phase will involve connecting the reactor's peripheral cavities to the central cladding, which was installed in September, creating a closed loop for the lead coolant circulation. This system will eventually include steam generators, primary circulation pumps, coolant purification technology, and other internal reactor apparatus. The central cladding is designed to house the core basket and fuel assemblies, according to Rosatom.
The BREST-OD-300 reactor features an integral design, where its vessel is not purely metallic but instead a hybrid metal-concrete structure, with gaps filled with concrete as construction progresses. Due to its considerable size, it is transported in sections, necessitating assembly on-site.
Background information indicates that the BREST-OD-300 fast reactor is integral to Rosatom's Proryv project aimed at establishing a closed nuclear fuel cycle. This 300 MWe unit will serve as the primary component of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex at the Siberian Chemical Combine site, showcasing a closed nuclear fuel cycle alongside a facility for fabricating and reprocessing mixed uranium-plutonium nitride fuel.
Recent developments included the installation of the last roofing truss on the turbine hall in October and the placement of a 143-ton metal shell for the central cavity, which stands over 14 meters tall with a diameter of 8 meters. All four peripheral cavity shells were installed in December.
The demonstration unit will initially focus on performance evaluation and, after roughly a decade, will shift towards commercial operation. If successful as a 300 MWe (700 MWt) unit, a larger 1200 MWe (2800 MWt) version, referred to as the BR-1200, is planned for development.
Ivan Babich from the Experimental and Demonstration Energy Complex at the Siberian Chemical Combine reported that the pressure vessel of the BREST-OD-300 reactor block is currently about 70% complete.
He mentioned that in 2026, the lead coolant circulation system will be developed, the concrete for the vessel will be finalized, and the main internal components will be installed. The assembly of the reactor vessel is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
The upcoming phase will involve connecting the reactor's peripheral cavities to the central cladding, which was installed in September, creating a closed loop for the lead coolant circulation. This system will eventually include steam generators, primary circulation pumps, coolant purification technology, and other internal reactor apparatus. The central cladding is designed to house the core basket and fuel assemblies, according to Rosatom.
The BREST-OD-300 reactor features an integral design, where its vessel is not purely metallic but instead a hybrid metal-concrete structure, with gaps filled with concrete as construction progresses. Due to its considerable size, it is transported in sections, necessitating assembly on-site.
Background information indicates that the BREST-OD-300 fast reactor is integral to Rosatom's Proryv project aimed at establishing a closed nuclear fuel cycle. This 300 MWe unit will serve as the primary component of the Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex at the Siberian Chemical Combine site, showcasing a closed nuclear fuel cycle alongside a facility for fabricating and reprocessing mixed uranium-plutonium nitride fuel.
Recent developments included the installation of the last roofing truss on the turbine hall in October and the placement of a 143-ton metal shell for the central cavity, which stands over 14 meters tall with a diameter of 8 meters. All four peripheral cavity shells were installed in December.
The demonstration unit will initially focus on performance evaluation and, after roughly a decade, will shift towards commercial operation. If successful as a 300 MWe (700 MWt) unit, a larger 1200 MWe (2800 MWt) version, referred to as the BR-1200, is planned for development.