Unit 3 of the Mochovce nuclear power station in southwest Slovakia reached minimum controlled output on 22 October, marking first criticality for the Russia-supplied 440 MW unit.
Utility Slovenske Elektrarne, which owns and operates Slovakia’s four commercial reactors, said Mochovce-3 should reach full capacity and begin commercial operation at the beginning of next year.
The company said that although a controlled fission chain reaction is now taking place in the reactor, the power is close to zero. Station director Martin Mráz said the first startup of the reactor involves “complex tests” during which all the characteristics of the reactor’s active zone are verified.
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