Igor Korolyov, deputy head of department of New Institute of Social Communications (Moscow)

– Next year Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation should preserve the development rate of the industry

In the past year Rosatom has started to establish a new dialogue with the public, first of all, in the regions having nuclear power plants or problems inherited from the Soviet times. Rosatom is seeking a constructive dialogue with the public. The resolution of the problem of Muslumovo (a village in Chelyabinrsk region that has suffered form a Soviet-time nuclear project) and the active work to overcome the ecological problems of Oktyabrsky (Krasnokamensk district, Chita region) are the positive results of this dialogue. Rosatom has allocated about 600mln RUR for the projects. Oktyabrsky is situated in the territory of Priargun Mining Chemical Department near a uranium deposit and is exposed to intensive radon emissions. The radiation background in the area is much higher than the admissible level, so, the Government has decided to resettle the residents of the village (741 families) to Krasnokamensk.

The project is co-financed by Rosatom and the administration of Chita region, which is ready to provide 240mln RUR.

In 2007 Rosatom has regularly conducted public hearings concerning new NPP construction projects and has proved their efficiency and expediency.

Next year Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation should preserve the development rate set this year and, mostly importantly, should strengthen people’s confidence in nuclear energy.