Rosenergoatom: the NPPEG group visited Bilibino NPP within the framework of the CERE

During the event, Bilibino NPP power units are operated in the normal mode. There will not be any interruptions in their operation related to the Emergency Response Exercise.
Three different scenarios were developed for the CERE. The right for the final choice was granted to exercise Director – Head of the NPPEG group – Deputy General Director of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC – Director for NPP Production and Operation Alexander Shutikov. Every scenario is comprised of two parts: technological and radiation. The technological part is practiced by means of a functional analytical simulator of Bilibino NPP, the radiation one is modeled with the help of the Radiation Environment Automated Control System (REACS) software simulator.
During the first exercise day, August 10, there was implemented a set of measures such as: emergency situation announcement, actions aimed at localizing of the test accident and rectification of its consequences, organization of the test fire extinguishing and sheltering of the personnel in the NPP protective shelters with a subsequent evacuation from the industrial site.
When answering the journalists’ questions after the first stage of the exercises, which was finished on August 10, Alexander Shutikov said that the CERE was not connected with the difficult situation in the country. “Every year we carry out such scheduled exercises at one of nuclear power stations. Last year the exercise was held at Balakovo NPP, in accordance with the schedule this time it is held at Bilibino NPP”, he said.
The NPPEG group Head also noted that it was the first time such events had been conducted at Bilibino NPP. “It is the farest and the northernmost plant and it creates certain difficulties during work organization. Nevertheless we shall be ready to render help for the plants not only in the European area, but in any part of our country; therefore were work out these mechanisms exactly with Bilibino NPP,” Alexander Shutikov said.
According to him, the measures taken for elimination of the training accident, correspond to the actions to be taken in real conditions and they are aimed to prevent negative consequences for the population and protect people from all risks. “During the CERE the expert groups continue to work with the help of modern communication facilities in the format of a common information area, where it is possible to work out joint resolutions, exchange opinions and where recommendations for nuclear power plants are made,” Director for NPP Production and Operation of Rosenergoatom Concern said
The CERE, held at Bilibino NPP on August 10-12,2010, is attended by representatives of 18 organizations and, 8 technical support centers. All in all the event engages more than 800 people and more than 30 units of special equipment.
Bilibino NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC. The plant is located next to Bilibino city, in the Chukotka Autonomous District. The nuclear heat and power plant operates four EGP-6 uranium-graphite pressurized tube reactors. Each reactor has capacity of 12 mW (el.). The first power unit was commissioned in 1973, the second – in 1974, the third – in 1975, and the fourth one – in 1976. The plant produces about 75% of energy generated in Chaun-Bilibino isolated electricity system (upon that the system provides 40% of energy to the Chukotka Autonomous District).