Mobile diesel generator stations for backup power supply of NPPs

Ensuring the safe operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants in times of war is a strategic priority at the international level. Not only Ukraine and the EU, but also the United States were concerned about this problem. As a result of cooperation between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Argonne National Laboratory, in 2022, the necessary measures were identified. Namely, the supply of additional heavy-duty mobile diesel generator stations (MDGS) for each NPP. The U.S. Department of Energy has taken over the financing of this project.

Technical implementation was also launched in 2022. At a meeting of technical experts from Energoatom, ES Group Europe s.r.o. and Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine LLC, the requirements for the equipment and the timing of the work were determined.

ES Group Europe s.r.o. and Dalgakiran Compressor Ukraine were directly involved in the development and construction of the MDGS.

The result of this work was a mobile diesel power plant in the container version of MDGS ESG-MDGS6.3 with a maximum capacity of 2200 kW and an output voltage of 6.3 kV.

The power plants are built on the basis of equipment that meets the most stringent reliability requirements to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities:

• Cummins C2750 D5BE diesel generator;
• Cummins QSK60 diesel engine (UK);
• Alternating current generator Stamford LVSI804;
• Cummins PC 3.3 control panel;
• Safety cell with SIEMENS switch.

The mobile fuel tank can provide continuous operation for 8 hours at maximum power without refueling with diesel fuel. In case of refueling (built-in own automatic refueling system), continuous operation for 72 hours without stopping is possible.

The first MDGS has already been commissioned and provides reliable protection for one of Ukraine’s NPPs. By the end of 2023, all Ukrainian NPPs will be reliably provided with backup power supply.

The importance of the successful implementation of the project to create and supply autonomous MDGS power supplies for our nuclear power plants is emphasized by the following statements;

“We are proud to supply 3 new emergency generators to Energoatom to provide backup power to Ukraine’s reactors in the event of an offsite power outage. The U.S. Department of Energy is committed to the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants in the face of Russian aggression.“ – Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.

“With the help of our partners, we are preparing for the winter, which will be difficult. Therefore, this support is very important for all Ukrainians who will be waiting for electricity in their homes.” – Herman Galushchenko, Minister of Energy of Ukraine.

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine also thanked the U.S. Department of Energy for its support for our nuclear industry and assistance in countering Russian energy terrorism.

“This equipment will be extremely necessary for our NPPs in the event of a power outage,” said Petro Kotin, President of Energoatom.

Project manager: Alexander Popov