Testing of Power Equipment at Chernobyl NPP

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant chief electrician Sergey Zhovner has discussed the implementation of integrated testing at the ORU, 750 kV “Kiev” substation. The activities, which started in early 2008, include the overhaul of power equipment necessary for the uninterrupted transmission of voltage and subsequent installation and adjustment of new protection panels.

Even though the substation equipment has been in operation for 25 years, and its maintenance and support are more costly due its location in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the Chernobyl NPP has continuing obligations to Ukrenergo to maintain ORU in technically good condition.

This work is part of the first phase of planned modernization of Ukraine’s entire electricity grid. Expected long-term results are the improved reliability of the country’s entire energy system, especially Kyiv.

The Chernobyl ORU substation is expected to be fully decommissioned after 2015.