Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant Monument

Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant (AM-1) in Kaluga Oblast was the first nuclear power plant in the world to generate electricity for a power grid. It entered operation in 1954 and was built as a combined research and power-producing facility.

The reactor had a small electrical output by modern standards and served both to supply local electricity and to support reactor research and training. The plant operated for decades before being shut down and subsequently decommissioned.

The facility played a pioneering role in civilian nuclear power and Soviet-era nuclear research; its buildings now contain museum exhibits explaining the plant’s history and technology. The site is in the town of Obninsk, an early Soviet science centre approximately 100 km southwest of Moscow.

• Historical importance: The world’s first nuclear power plant to supply electricity to a national grid and placed into operation in 1954 with an electrical output measured in single megawatts. It was shut down and later decommissioned in the early 21st century.
• Location note: Located in the science city of Obninsk about 100 kilometres southwest of Moscow and part of early Soviet nuclear research infrastructure.

What to See#

• AM-1 reactor building: The AM-1 reactor building was the first grid-connected nuclear power reactor and now contains exhibits documenting the plant and early Soviet nuclear technology.
• Museum of nuclear technology: An on-site museum and information displays present the plant’s technical history, decommissioning and the role of Obninsk in Soviet nuclear research.

• Public access is limited and controlled-arrange any visit well in advance through the plant museum or administrative office and be prepared to present ID and follow security checks.
• Expect guided tours to be the only practical way to see the site; if you don't speak Russian, request an English-speaking guide or an interpreter when booking.