After completion of scheduled repairs with modernization, the third power unit of the Smolensk NPP is included in the grid

The repair campaign of 2026 was completed at the Smolensk NPP, the final stage of which was the repair of the third power unit. During the year, planned work covered all three operating power units of the plant, which allowed to ensure a high level of equipment safety and reliability of power supply to consumers.

In the course of the tasks, the specialists fully implemented the repair program. Intra-reactor control of technological channels and graphite masonry was carried out, control and protection system channels were replaced, and the main pumping equipment was repaired. On turbogenerators No. 5 and No. 6, major repairs of high and low pressure cylinders were carried out, respectively. In addition, a large-scale modernization of reactor, turbine and electrical equipment was carried out, including the renewal of bearing cooling schemes, the replacement of electric drives on the feed water system valves and the modernization of the generator voltage switchgear. Also, a stationary vibration control system was introduced at the power pumps.

In the process of work, about a thousand employees of the Smolensk NPP, the Smolensk branch of Atomenergoremont JSC and other contractors were involved. Thanks to the use of tools of the Rosatom Production System, effective planning and well-coordinated cooperation, it was possible to optimize the deadlines for completing tasks. In particular, turbogenerator 5 was returned to the network four days ahead of schedule.

Chief engineer of the Smolensk NPP Alexey Leshchenko noted that the inclusion of the third power unit in the grid sums up the entire repair campaign. He stressed that a significant amount of work was carried out at all power units, including the repair of more than 400 technological channels as part of the resource management program of the reactor core. The engineer thanked the station staff and contractors for their professionalism and expressed confidence that the joint efforts will ensure reliable and safe operation of the units during the repair period.

The Governor of the Smolensk region Vasily Anokhin also emphasized the importance of completing the repair campaign for the energy sustainability of the region, especially in anticipation of winter peak loads. The head of the region stressed that the stable operation of all three power units is a significant contribution to the uninterrupted energy supply to the industry, social sphere and the population of the Smolensk region and Central Russia. He expressed gratitude to Smolensk nuclear scientists for their responsible work and contribution to the energy security of the country.