It is always nice to be the first in something. So our country, still being part of the USSR, was the first in many endeavors. A striking example is the construction of nuclear power plants. It is clear that many were involved in its development and construction. But still, the world's first nuclear power plant was located on the territory that is now located in Russia.
Background to the emergence of nuclear power plants
It began with the use of the atom for military purposes. Before the world's first nuclear power plant was built, many doubted that atomic energy could be channeled peacefully.
First, an atomic bomb was created. Everyone knows the sad experience of using it in Japan. Then, at the test site, a test of the atomic bomb created by Soviet scientists was carried out.
After some time, the USSR began to produce plutonium in an industrial reactor. All conditions have been created for obtaining enriched uranium on a large scale.
It was at this time, in the autumn of 1949, that an active discussion began on how to organize an enterprise in which atomic energy would be used to generate electricity and heat.
Theoretical development and creation of the project was entrusted to Laboratory “B”. At that time it was headed by D.I. Blokhintsev. Scientific Council under the direction of I.V. Kurchatova proposed a nuclear reactor that operated on enriched uranium. Beryllium was used as a moderator. Cooling was carried out using helium. Other reactor options were also considered. For example, using fast and intermediate neutrons. Other cooling methods were also allowed.
In the spring of 1950, a decree of the Council of Ministers was issued. It meant that it was necessary to build three experimental reactors:
- the first is uranium-graphite with water cooling;
- the second is helium-graphite, which was supposed to use gas cooling;
- the third is uranium-beryllium also with a gas cooler.
The remainder of the current year was allotted to create a technical project. Using these three reactors, the world's first nuclear power plant was about 5, 000 kW.
Where and by whom were they created?
Of course, in order to erect these buildings, it was necessary to determine the place. So, the first nuclear power plant in the world was built in the city of Obninsk.
Construction work was entrusted to the Scientific Research Institute "Himmash". At that moment, N. Dollezhal led it. He is a construction chemist by training, who was far from nuclear physics. But still, his knowledge was useful during the construction of structures.
By joint efforts, and several more institutes joined the work a little later, the world's first nuclear power plant was built. She has not one creator. There are many of them, because such a large-scale project cannot be created alone. But the main developer is Kurchatov, and the builder is Dollezhal.
Construction progress and launch preparation
In parallel with how the world's first nuclear power plant was created, stands were developed in the laboratory. They were the prototypes of power plants, which were subsequently used in nuclear submarines.
In the summer of the 50th year, preparatory work began. They lasted for one year. The result of all the work was the very first nuclear power plant in the world. Her initial project has not changed much.
The following adjustments were made:
- a uranium-beryllium reactor was created with a lead-bismuth cooler;
- the helium-graphite reactor was replaced by a water-water reactor, which formed the basis of all subsequent nuclear power plants, and was also used on icebreakers and submarines.
In June 1951, a decree was issued to build a pilot power station. Then, all the necessary materials were delivered to the uranium-graphite reactor. And in July, the construction of nuclear power plants with water cooling began.
The first launch, providing electricity to settlements
The start of the reactor core loading took place in May 1954. Namely, the 9th. In the evening of the same day a chain reaction began in him. The fission of uranium nuclei occurred in such a way that it was maintained independently. It was the so-called physical launch of the station.
After a month and a half, in June 1954, the nuclear power plant was launched. This consisted in the fact that there was a supply of steam to the turbogenerator. The world's first nuclear power plant was launched on June 26 at half past five in the evening. It has been functioning for 48 years. Its role was to give an impetus to the emergence of such power plants around the world.
The next day, electric current was given to the city of the world's first nuclear power plant (1954) - to Obninsk near Moscow.
The impetus for the emergence of other nuclear power plants around the world
It had a relatively small capacity, only 5 MW. One loading of the reactor was enough for its operation at full power for a period of 3 months.
And despite this, the Obninsk power station attracted the attention of people from all over the world. Numerous delegations came to the city of the world's first nuclear power plant. Their goal was to see firsthand the miracle created by the Soviet people. In order to get electricity, you do not need to use natural resources. Without coal, oil or gas, a turbogenerator was driven. And the nuclear power plant provided electricity to a city with a population of about 40 thousand people. At the same time, only nuclear fuel was spent. Its amount was 2 tons per year.
This circumstance was the impetus for the construction of such stations almost all over the world. Their power was huge. And yet, the beginning was here - in the small Obninsk, where the atom became a hard worker, dropping his military uniform.
When did the nuclear power plant finish work?
The first nuclear power plant in Russia was shut down in April 29, 2002. There were economic prerequisites for this. Her power was not big enough.
During its work, data were obtained that confirmed all theoretical calculations. All technical and engineering solutions were justified.
This made it possible in 10 years (1964) to launch the Beloyarsk NPP. Moreover, its capacity was 50 times greater than that of Obninsk.
Where else are nuclear reactors used?
In parallel with the creation of the nuclear power plant, a group led by Kurchatov designed a nuclear reactor that could be installed on an icebreaker. This task was as important as providing electricity, without spending gas and coal.
The USSR, as well as Russia, was important for the longest possible time to extend navigation in the seas that lie in the north. Nuclear-powered icebreakers could provide year-round navigation in these territories.
Such developments began in the 53rd year, and six years later, the Lenin nuclear-powered icebreaker was sent on its first voyage. He regularly served in the Arctic for 30 years.
No less important was the creation of a nuclear submarine. And she was launched in the 57th year. Then this submarine made a trip under the ice to the North Pole and returned to base. The name of this submarine was "Lenin Komsomol."
