Which nuclear power plants in Russia have operated Chernobyl-type reactors for more than 40 years

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant, after 14 years after the accident, completely stopped its operation, but there are still stations on the territory of Russia where Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors operate. The design life of them, determined at 30 years, has long expired. Despite this, the reactors are still not disabled and continue to operate.

These are RBMK series reactors, which in the 60s and 70s of the last century at the dawn of civil nuclear power were considered the most progressive and promising. But after several years of work, the engineers revealed the design flaws of these uranium-graphite reactors, which required stopping the repair work, and in some cases even led to emergency situations and the release of radioactive substances. These accidents in their consequences, of course, are not comparable with the Chernobyl disaster, but nevertheless each time they led the engineers to think that RBMK reactors needed to be improved. After the terrible tragedy of 1986, work to further improve the new RBMK series reactors was curtailed, the project was recognized as futile. All unfinished reactors of this type in the open spaces of the former USSR, and these are 9 power plants, were frozen. Engineers relied on a new generation of reactors, but those RBMK-1000s that were operating at the time of the accident at several Soviet stations continued their work and continue to generate energy until now. But how did it happen that the reactors launched in the 70-80s of the last century still operate, because they are already more than 30 years old? The fact is that the period of their work was extended by as much as 15 years, that is, after 45 years from the date of launch.

Kursk NPP

Smolensk NPP

Three RBMK-1000 reactors are also operating here, the last of which was launched in 1990. Despite the observance of all norms and rules of operation, emergency situations have repeatedly occurred here, leading to reactor shutdowns and repair work. The newest of all operating reactors of this series are operating here, and their final shutdown will occur only in 2034.

Leningrad NPP

This is the largest nuclear power plant in Russia, where the reactors of this series were first installed. The very first of them was stopped last year. The remaining three reactors continue to operate, periodically stopping for repairs. But, apparently, it was no coincidence that RBMK designers envisioned the decommissioning of power units after 30 years — exceeding this period could result in an accident. Accidents with RBMK reactors have repeatedly occurred at the Leningrad NPP, both after exceeding the 30-year operating life and before it. The first accidents at the station occurred back in the 70s, revealing the weaknesses of RBMK. Then several more followed, including with the release of radioactive substances outside the station.

Ignalina NPP (Lithuania)

This station is located not in Russia, but in Lithuania, but we still decided to mention it, and here's why. This is the only nuclear power plant where RBMK series reactors were installed back in the days of the USSR. But for them they decided not to extend the life of up to 45 years. The thing is that the European safety requirements for nuclear facilities are more stringent, and after Lithuania expressed a desire to join the EU, the power units were stopped and the station itself was closed.