Rosatom has launched the first power unit of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2 (Kursk NPP-2) into Russia’s Unified Energy System, marking a key milestone in the country’s nuclear energy programme. The initial grid connection took place at the end of the year, bringing a new source of low-carbon electricity online for the Kursk region and the broader Central Energy System.The newly commissioned unit is the first implementation of the VVER-TOI reactor design, which incorporates advanced safety and performance features. With an installed capacity of 1,250 MW, it is the most powerful nuclear power unit in Rosatom’s fleet, exceeding the output of the previous benchmark units at Leningrad NPP-2 by 50 MW.Commenting on the development, Alexey Likhachev, Director General, Rosatom State Corporation, said:“The Kursk unit is the first embodiment of the latest VVER TOI nuclear power unit design. This design not only incorporates the latest advances in nuclear energy. It is also the most powerful power unit in Rosatom's fleet: 1250 MW… On December 30, 2024, the general plan for the deployment of power facilities through 2042 was approved, according to which we are to build 38 power units.”The power start-up was carried out in the presence of senior leadership from Rosatom’s Electric Power and Engineering divisions, along with key contractors. Andrey Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy, Rosatom State Corporation, said:“Today's power start-up is the result of the hard work of tens of thousands of people… The new power unit will increase nuclear power generation by more than 50% to meet the needs of the Kursk Region.”During the power start-up phase, capacity will be gradually increased to 35–40%, followed by a staged ramp-up to full power. Alexander Shutikov, CEO, Rosenergoatom Concern JSC, noted that comprehensive testing is underway to ensure compliance with modern nuclear safety and performance standards.The commissioning of Unit 1 of Kursk NPP-2 is scheduled for 2026, with similar VVER-TOI projects expected to support long-term energy security and economic development.