Russia plans major expansion of nuclear power capacity

Russia aims to add approximately 28.5 GW of new nuclear power capacity by 2042, according to the draft general plan for electric power facilities.

Central Russia is set to see the largest increase, with 8.4 GW planned, including new units at the Kursk-2, Smolensk, and Novovoronezh-2 NPPs.

The Ural region will receive 5.015 GW, and Siberia is slated for 5.32 GW, as highlighted by the Krasnoyarsk NPP. The Northwest will see 4.1 GW in new capacity, while the South UES will add 2.4 GW with the Novocherkassk NPP.

The East UES will gain 2.4 GW with new units at Primorsk and Khabarovsk NPPs.

The plan also includes the construction of mini-nuclear plants in Yakutia and Chukotka and a modernised floating nuclear plant.

By 2042, nuclear power’s share of Russia’s generating capacity is projected to increase to 15.3 per cent, up from 11.69 per cent in 2023, while thermal power’s share will decrease and hydropower and renewables will see a rise.