The Leningrad 2-2 nuclear power plant in Russia has been brought to its minimum controlled power level and achieved first criticality, state nuclear corporation Rosatom announced.
First criticality means the plant achieved a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction for the first time.
Rosatom said the plant, a 1,085-MW Generation III+ pressurised water reactor, or VVER, will now undergo a series of tests before nuclear regulator Rostechnadzor can approve a phased increase in power levels and commercial operation.
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