13.12.2006 // Press-servise of Rosenergoatom

Deputy Director General of Rosenergoatom Vladimir Asmolov makes report on “NPP-2006” project in Russia’s Federation Council

Deputy Director General of the Rosenergoatom concern Vladimir Asmolov appeared in the Federation Council on Tuesday with a report “Nuclear Power Engineering Today and Tomorrow: NPP-2006 Project.” The report was made in the framework of the parliamentary hearings “Energy Strategy of Russia: Problems and Prospects”.

Asmolov said that, despite all difficulties, today, the nuclear power industry has become firmly established as a new alternative in the energy sector and has proved its viability and efficiency.

“Today, we can firmly say that there is public demand for nuclear energy development not only in our country but also abroad. Our Government has realized this demand and has adopted a federal program ”Development of the Nuclear Power Complex of Russia in 2007–2010 and till 2015,”” Asmolov said.

He said that, as the author of the program, Rosenergoatom should observe three major conditions. First, to guarantee safety when operating nuclear power facilities. “Of course, there is always a residual risk but it can be so small that we will be able to confidently speak about guarantees.” Second, to ensure economic efficiency. And, third, to start measures that will promote the program. Particularly, we should solve the problems of fuel supply and nuclear and radioactive waste.

“Today, there are all prerequisites for nuclear power to become a renewable source of energy,” Asmolov said.

However, tougher security measures have their reverse side too: “I am speaking about growing capital and operational expenses, which result in lower investment appeal and longer payback period.” “Hyper-attention to safety has resulted in not just guarantees but “super-guarantees.” But super-guarantee means economic inefficiency. Hence, our short- and medium-term goals are to reduce payback period and raise investment appeal,” Asmolov noted.

Concerning the “NPP-2006” project, Asmolov said that “the whole reactor-building experience of Russia” has been put in it. “At the same time, we are trying not to be excessively conservative in implementing the project.”

The project goals will be achieved due to modern engineering and technical solutions leading to higher efficiency factor and power unit capacity. Enhanced economic efficiency will be attained due to reduced material intensity, construction period, new methods, equipment unification. In order to ensure safety, we will use both active and passive systems, Asmolov said.

He pointed out that this state-sponsored project will allow Russia to transit to fast breeder plants, i.e. plants of the future.