KOLA-I'S OPERATING LICENSE WAS EXTENDED until July 6, 2018, by the Russian regulator, Rostekhnadzor. In June 2003, the regulator authorized a limited extension of five years while it undertook a full safety assessment following upgrades and modernization work undertaken since 1990. The assessment was carried out in line with Russia's current nuclear legislation and also took into account the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international experience in assessing the safety of nuclear power plants. Rostekhnadzor said that in the past five years, the unit has proved its efficiency and safety.