In 2024, over 1,200 foreign professionals did training and skill development courses at Russian training facilities (Rosatom Technical Academy, part of Rosenergoatom) and at Russian nuclear power plants (branches of Rosenergoatom, Rosatom Electric Power Division). These are atomists from Egypt, Hungary, Turkey, Bangladesh, Belarus, and China. Some of them have finished the so-called job training program; others will continue their training in the next year. Rosenergoatom also offers practical training for students from Belarus, who will work at the Belarus NPP after completing their studies.
Theoretical instruction, simulation exercises, and practical experience at operating Russian NPPs and NPPs under construction abroad equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively operate Russian-design VVER-1200 power units, which are currently being constructed by Rosatom in partner countries.
The training program encompasses diverse jobs, including turbine equipment operators, reactor equipment assemblers, senior reactor and turbine control engineers, chemists, electricians, as well as radiation and nuclear safety specialists, environmental safety professionals, administrative and technical personnel including deputy chief engineers working at NPPs. The students receive their training under the mentorship of Russian experts who have a wealth of experience in operating and maintaining units with water-cooled reactors. They assist their international colleagues in grasping the complexities of the job at operating NPPs.
Special attention is given to the training of operational personnel. Trainees not only work together with Russian operational personnel and observe the operating technological and safety systems at nuclear power plants, receive work experience, but also develop their teamwork skills.
Besides, for personnel working at the control rooms of foreign NPPs, it is mandatory to undergo training at a full-scale simulator in order to practice their actions in both normal operating conditions and hypothetical emergencies, until these actions are matrixed into their muscle memory.
“We have all the necessary training tools, expert instructors, a training and methodological base. Additionally, we offer training opportunities at operational power plants. The combination of theory and practical experience allows students to achieve a high level of expertise,” said Alexander Vysochin, Head of the Foreign NPP Personnel Training at the Personnel Training Department of Rosenergoatom.
“At the Russian university, we acquired a solid foundation of knowledge in a wide range of subjects. Now, through our collaboration with Russian nuclear experts, we have a unique chance to learn about the technologies and expertise they have developed over the years in the field of nuclear energy,” said Mahmut Ali Durukan, a turbine equipment operator at the turbine hall of the Akkuyu Nuclear JSC.
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Rosatom uses a package approach to personnel training for both its own projects and those of its international partners. Rosatom Technical Academy provides theoretical instruction and simulation training at its branches in Obninsk, St. Petersburg, and Novovoronezh, as well as at the training center of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant. Practical training is offered at reference Russian NPPs operating with VVER-1200 reactors (the Novovoronezh NPP and Leningrad NPP), as well as at NPPs currently under construction abroad (the Ruoppur NPP).
Rosatom Electric Power Division is the major producer of low carbon energy in Russia. The division’s management company, Rosenergoatom Joint Stock Company, operates 11 nuclear power plants, including the world’s only floating nuclear power plant (FNPP). 36 other units with a combined capacity of 28.5 gigawatts already account for approximately 20% of electricity generation in Russia. The companies within the division offer a full range of services for the commissioning, repair, maintenance, and nuclear personnel training. They also manufacture isotopes for medical, agricultural, and microelectronics applications. The division is actively expanding its operations, including the development of a charging infrastructure network for electric vehicles and biogas stations, production of industrial robots, etc. rosenergoatom.ru
Rosatom Technical Academy is a modern platform for advanced training and knowledge sharing among Russian and foreign nuclear professionals. The Academy offers new skills programs for managers and experts in nuclear energy and industry, as well as certification for personnel. It also provides scientific and methodological assistance to Rosatom companies in safe utilization of nuclear energy, control, national security, as well as operational and support procedures. Rosatom Technical Academy is the IAEA cooperation center for knowledge management and human capital development in the fields of nuclear energy, nuclear security, nuclear science and non-energy nuclear applications, small modular reactors, nuclear medicine, and radiopharmaceuticals.
Rosenergoatom manages the overall process of personnel training for foreign NPPs. The majority of the training for foreign professionals takes place at Rosatom Technical Academy in Russia and includes both theoretical and practical (using simulators) aspects, training at operational Russian nuclear power plant units with further work experience and qualification maintenance at NPPs that are being constructed abroad.
It is worth mentioning that in total more than 3,000 foreign professionals from partner nations have successfully completed job training programs and/or skills development courses at various facilities since 2018. Rosenergoatom intends to continue providing comprehensive training for foreign personnel of nuclear power plants in the upcoming year.
Russia is steadily expanding its international trade and economic partnerships, prioritizing collaboration with friendly nations. The domestic economy is enhancing its export capabilities with supplies of products, services, and raw materials around the world. Rosatom and its companies are actively participating in this endeavor.
