Operating experience and prospects for the development of nuclear power stations with VVER reactors in the Russian federation

A general characteristic of the operation of Russian nuclear power stations with VVER reactors is given and the level of their safety is appraised. Operating experience and problems concerning the further safe operation of power-generating units with VVER reactors are analyzed. The main problems that will have to be solved in the next few years and afterward until the years 2005-2010 in developing nuclear power stations with VVER reactors are formulated.