The ceremony, which took place at noon on Friday, was attended by most of Rosatom’s upper brass management 47news.ru reported.

Actual construction of the plant is already well underway, having begun in October 2007. The construction of the Leningrad NPP 2 is part of a federal target programme for the development of Russia’s nuclear industry for the years 2007 to 2010, with a longer perspective to 2015.

The first reactor block is expected to enter into service in 2013. The launch of the second reactor is scheduled for 2014. The plant is expected to run for 50 years and is fundamental equipment has clearance for 60 years.

The electrical power output for each of the Leningrad NPP 2’s reactors is projected to be 100,172 megawatts, or 250 gigcalories per hours. In 2008, projected spending on the construction of the plant is to be 7.9 billion roubles, ($29 million), of which 5.9 billion roubles will be financed by Russian taxpayers.