JSC Atomenergoproyekt (JSC Atomenergoprom’s 100% subsidiary) with the objective to enhance the efficiency of the Novoronezhskaya AES-2 construction project chose to equip each power unit with one cooling tower instead of two. This decision was made in conjunction with JSC Atomenergoprom and JSC Energoatom Concern. Such design solution will allow a considerable reduction in capital costs, balance-of-plant power consumption, as well as the plant's footprint while maintaining the same technology and safety requirements.

Vladimir Generalov, CEO of JSC Atomenergoprom, stated, "Atomenergoproyekt is the first to introduce this know-how in Russia."

Following its decision, JSC Atomenergoproyket distributed cooling tower baseline specifications for design development and equipment supply among potential suppliers. Subsequently, SPX Cooling Technologies GmbH (Germany) was selected as the successful bidder. Based on the executed contract, this German company will develop detailed design for two evaporative cooling towers to be installed at power Novoronezh AES-2 units 1, 2. SPX will also supply critical components of the tower: fills and their supports, drift eliminators, and automatic control and thermal-hydraulic control units.

The priority construction documentation for cooling tower foundations will be released to JSC Atomenergoproyekt as early as June, 2009. The design will be tailored to the construction materials manufactured within the Russian Federation and to Russian standards and specifications.

Completion of detailed design is expected in the 1st quarter of 2010, while supply of cooling tower equipment for power unit 1 will commence at the end of 2010, and for power unit 2 - at the end of 2011. JSC Atomenergoproyket will arrange the construction of cooling towers in accordance with the SPX-developed design by contracting Russian construction companies. Plans for this year include completion of the underground works and cooling tower basin for the first power unit of the nuclear plant.