OREANDA-NEWS. April 2, 2009. The plant has won the “Innovative Activity” nomination for its investment project to enhance the capacity of its 2nd unit to 104%.

The 2nd unit of Balakovo NPP has been operating at 104% of its capacity since Sept 2008. This project is part of Energoatom Concern’s program to increase the output of its existing reactors.

As a result of this project in 2008 Balakovo NPP produced 31.373bln KWh or 102.5% of the plan, thereby confirming its status of the biggest electricity producer in Russia. The capacity factor of the unit was 89.29% against planned 87.09%.

The project has also boosted tax payments: in 2008 Balakovo NPP paid 19.181mln RUR in taxes, including 6.569mln RUR to the regional budget.

The official results of the contest were announced in the Armory Hall of the Reception House of the Government of Saratov region. He awards were presented by Governor of Saratov region Pavel Ipatov.

The contest had 14 nominations. Among the assessment criteria were total amount of investments, total amount of tax payments, investment pay-off period, investment profitability, quality of created ([reserved) jobs, average salary, participation in socially oriented programs.