Modern Nuclear Power Plant Construction: Technologies, Scale, and the Role of TECHNONICOL

Features of nuclear power plant construction

A nuclear power plant is one of the most complex objects ever created. It must operate reliably, safely, and efficiently for decades.

Hundreds of specialists are involved in the design process: engineers, designers, builders, and suppliers. The materials undergo multi-stage testing, and every process step is recorded and monitored. This is why construction solutions with predictable durability are selected for nuclear power plants. For example, at customer request, TECHNONICOL developed a waterproofing membrane with a 100-year service life.

Major international projects involving TECHNONICOL

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (Bangladesh)

The country’s first nuclear power plant and one of the largest infrastructure projects in its history. Two VVER-1200 power units with a capacity of 2.4 GW will provide Bangladesh with up to 10% of its total electricity.

Project Features:

• the construction began in 2017;
• the launch of the first unit was planned for 2024;
• a research reactor for nuclear medicine is being created;
• thousands of specialists from different countries are involved.

TECHNONICOL materials are used for:

• waterproofing of storage facilities and industrial buildings;
• installation of roofing and foundation systems;
• thermal and sound insulation of the structures;
• fire protection;
• anti-corrosion protection of steel structures.

Since the start of construction, TECHNONICOL has been supplying LOGICROOF PVC membranes, TECHNOELAST MOST bitumen waterproofing membranes, mastics, primers, sealants, PLANTER dimpled membranes, and structural insulation materials to the site.

The Rooppur NPP project has become a model of successful cooperation that includes the adaptation of construction solutions to national requirements, the impeccable supply of high-quality TECHNONICOL materials, and even the training of local specialists at Russian training centers.

Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (Turkey)

The first nuclear energy project in Turkey, one of the largest investment projects in the country.

Key parameters:

• four VVER-1200 units with a total capacity of 4.8 GW;
• annual contribution - about 35 billion kW⋅h;
• covering up to 10% of Turkey’s energy needs;
• seismic safety up to 9 points;
• protection from hurricanes, floods and falling heavy objects.

The role of TECHNONICOL:

The company has joined the Russian Association of Organizations of the Construction Complex of the Nuclear Industry (ASCAO) and is participating in the project not only as a materials supplier but also as an engineering partner, providing the following support:

• support at all stages of construction,
• technical calculations,
• development of construction solutions,
• training of contractors.

To ensure the successful implementation of the Akkuyu NPP construction project, TECHNONICOL developed specialized construction systems that took into account all the technological features of the facility. During the construction, reliable waterproofing of the facility in Turkey is provided by high-strength bitumen membranes - TECHNOELAST MOST, LOGICROOF / LOGICBASE PVC membranes and TECHNONICOL anti-corrosion coatings.

El Dabaa NPP (Egypt)

Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, a symbol of the country’s technological advancement and one of the region’s largest projects.

Station parameters:

• four VVER-1200 units (4.8 GW);
• construction start - 2022;
• putting into operation of the first unit - 2026;
• annual output is about 36 billion kW⋅h.

TECHNONICOL’s contribution:

• training of contractors,
• technical audit,
• supply of materials for the waterproofing of foundation slabs and key structures,
• anti-corrosion solutions.

During the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, TECHNONICOL supplied a wide range of materials to the site to ensure structural reliability:

• LOGICBASE PVC membranes,
• geotextiles,
• mastics, primers and anti-corrosion coatings,
• XPS CARBON PROF.

Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant (Russia)

One of the largest stations in Russia and the most important facility in the Northwest of the country.

Facts about the station:

• has been operating for over 50 years;
• the only one in the Russian Federation where two types of reactors are operated – RBMK and VVER;
• All-time production: 1.17 trillion kW⋅h;
• production of medical isotopes for oncology and industry.

Modernization:

New VVER-1200 units have been put into operation, and construction of new power units is underway. The construction project is utilizing the latest energy safety, control, and efficiency solutions.

TECHNONICOL materials are used in:

• roofing systems;
• waterproofing of concrete structures;
• thermal insulation of premises and pipelines;
• anti-corrosion protection;
• foundation systems.

To ensure the reliability and long service life of the new buildings at the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant, LOGICBASE and LOGICROOF PVC membranes, PIR and XPS CARBON PROF thermal insulation, TECHNOELAST MOST bitumen waterproofing membranes, mastics, and PLANTER dimpled membranes were used.

Conclusion

Nuclear energy is an industry where there is no room for compromise. Every facility is the result of precise calculations, international cooperation, and the application of the best engineering solutions. Projects in Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, and Russia demonstrate that modern nuclear power plants are becoming not only a source of energy but also a driver of technological and economic development worldwide.

TECHNONICOL’s materials and engineering solutions play a vital role in creating safe, durable, and efficient nuclear power plants, demonstrating that innovation and quality are key components of success in this critical field.