Vladimir Zhidkikh, member of Federation Council Sub-Committee on Nuclear Energy

– The legislative reform in the nuclear industry is over

The key goal of the corporation we are establishing is to become the leader in Russia and in the world. I am absolutely convinced that in the near future the world will start regarding Rosatom the way it regards Gazprom.

In order to fulfill the tasks set by our Government, we need revolutionary technologies in all spheres: management, personnel policy, recovery of NPP construction, projects abroad. France and Germany will be our key rivals in the export of nuclear technologies. The adopted law allows Rosatom State Corporation to speak and act on behalf of Russia on the international market. 

Now that we have reformed our nuclear sector we will be able to attract not only Russian but also foreign investments and to create joint ventures with all concerned parties. One example is the establishment of a joint venture with French Alstom – a Podolsk-based company for the production of low-speed turbines. 51% of the company belongs to Russia plus unique technology provided by Alstom. I think that this project will help us to restore the potential of our nuclear industry.

As a native of Seversk, I understand the concerns the employees of the local Siberian Chemical Group had four years ago. Today, those people are no longer concerned – they are beginning to understand what is really happening in the sphere.

In the times of Minatom, there was a department for the social security of closed cities – a structure that actively cooperated with the local authorities. Formerly, our nuclear industry actively invested in the development of infrastructure, housing construction, culture and sports. Kiriyenko says that Rosatom State Corporation will revive the active social role of the sector, first of all, in nuclear companies and nuclear cities.

I am happy that the President has decided to appoint Sergey Kiriyenko as the head of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation. Even though there were different forecasts as to who would be the head of the corporation, I never doubted that it would be Kiriyenko.

To remind, President of Russia Vladimir Putin is going to appoint Sergey Kiriyenko as head of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation as he believes that Kiriyenko is the best candidate for the post of the head of the corporation.