Safe operation and life extension of RBMK plants

Abstract The article presents an overview of the issues for ensuring safe operation of the Russian nuclear power plants with RBMK-1000 reactors. The operating data for such NPPs are included, the upgrading activities are described. The examples of the major implemented activities and their contribution to safety enhancement are given. The activities aimed at the justification of safe operation of NPP with RMBK-1000 reactors are described and some results are provided. The basic conclusion is that today it can be claimed with good reason that operation of the nuclear power plants with RBMK reactors is as safe as operation of NPP with domestic and foreign reactors of other types.