Russian officials say they have successfully completed tests of the concrete containment shell at a new nuclear power plant in the southern city of Rostov, the Itar-Tass news agency reported. The shell is intended to be strong enough to prevent the release of radioactive materials in case of an accident, the report said on Friday. Russia's nuclear power oversight agency granted permission to proceed to further tests of the systems at the plant, which is to come into operation by the end of the year, the report said. Russia has seen its nuclear power programme stall due to safety concerns and lack of funds. The Rostov plan, on hold for nine years due to money problems and environmental concerns, is one of three under construction. Russia has nine nuclear power plants with 29 reactors, as well as dozens of research reactors. However, it has not brought any new plants or reactors on-line in recent years.
Bureau Report