6/19/2005: RUSSIA SAYS CHINA'S TIANWAN NUCLEAR PLANT SCHEDULED TO BE FUELED
IN AUGUST As of June 2005, the fueling of the Tianwan NPP, also known as the Lianyungang NPP, had been
delayed for nearly a year and a half. Early plans called for the first reactor
to be in commercial operation in December 2004 and the second reactor in 2005.[1] While in Beijing on 19 June
2005, Ivan Kamenskikh, deputy director of the Russian
Federal Atomic Energy Agency, said the agency plans to fuel the first reactor on
25-28 August 2005. Failure of the steam generator was cited as the most recent
cause of delay.[2] Construction of the second reactor is still incomplete, but the Chinese
expect it to be ready by year's end.[3] In April 2005, Kamenskikh and
Chinese officials resolved several operational questions regarding the plant,
with the exception of the final destination of spent fuel.[4] Due to China's
status as a nuclear weapons state, China has the option of keeping the spent
fuel in China. The decision on whether to do this or return it to Russia will be
made by Chinese officials, most likely on the basis of cost. With the first
phase of building almost complete, Russia has indicated it will bid on the
contract to build the remaining reactors at Tianwan NPP. Sources:
[1] "Tianwan-1 & 2," China Profiles Database,
http://www.nti.org/db/china/jiangsu.htm.
[2] "Russian Atomic Energy Official Says China’s Tianwan Plant to Load Fuel
25-28 Aug," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 19 June 2005; in FBIS Document
CEP20050619027025.
[3] Yevgeniy Solovev, "Stroyashchayasya pri uchastii RF Tyanvanskaya AES
yavlyayetsya samoy sovershennoy stantsiyey v KNR, schitayut v Kitayskoy atomnoy
korporatsii," ITAR-TASS, 6 June 2005.
[4] Maksim Sidelnikov, "Rossiya i Kitay okonchatelno dogovorilis o finansovykh i
tekhnicheskikh voprosakh, svyazannykh s zaversheniem stroitelstva Tyanvanskoy
AES," ITAR-TASS, 6 April 2005. {Entered 8/19/05 JB}
5/18/2005: RUSSIA AND VIETNAM TO
IMPROVE NUCLEAR COOPERATION In May 2005, the Russian-Vietnamese Coordinating Council for Atomic Energy agreed on a protocol reviewing cooperation over the last two years.
Additionally, the council outlined areas for cooperation in 2005-2006. One of the main issues was
the modernization of the reactor control and safety system at the Da Lat
research reactor in
Hanoi, Vietnam.[1] In addition to the Dalat project,
other areas of cooperation under the protocol include updating an irradiating
unit in Hanoi and Russian supply of radionuclide sources to this and other
Vietnamese medical and industrial centers.[2] Several years ago Vietnam decided
to build a nuclear power plant, although an international tender has not yet been
announced.[2] The cost of the project is estimated at nearly $4
billion.[3] Russia and Vietnam have a long history of nuclear cooperation.
The Da Lat research reactor was restored with Soviet assistance over 21 years
ago. Sources:
[1] "Vietnam to Boost Nuclear Cooperation with Russia," Thanh Nien
News, 18 May 2005,
http://www.thanhniennews.com/. [2] "Russia, Vietnam Boosting Nuclear Cooperation," RIA Novosti, 18 May 2005,
http://en.rian.ru/.
[3] "Stroitelstvo AES vo Vetname budet vozmozhno v blizhayshe sem let," RIA Novosti, 20 May 2004; in Minatom
Web Site, http://www.minatom.ru/. {Entered 5/23/2005 WDP}
5/13/2005: RUSSIA EXPECTED TO BID ON
CONSTRUCTION OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN BULGARIA Bulgaria has opened a call for tenders for the construction of a
second nuclear power plant at Belene, near the Danube river. The Russian
firms Atomstroyeksport
and Tvel have, in recent years, expressed
interest in building the plant and are expected to take part in the tender.[1,2]
The call for tenders stipulates that the candidates must be able to ensure the
supply of nuclear fuel and reprocessing of spent fuel. All submissions are
due by 27 June 2005. Other companies expected to submit tenders include
Westinghouse (United States), Framatome (France) and Skoda (Czech Republic).
The cost of the project is estimated at .5 billion (about $3.2 billion as
of 13 May 2005) and is expected to be completed in 2013.[2] Sources:
[1] "Russian TVEL Corporation to Take Part in Bulgaria's Second Nuke Tender,"
Pari Daily, 29 April 2005; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[2] "Bulgaria Opens Tenders for the Construction of Second Nuclear Power Plant,"
Europe Energy, 13 May 2005; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com. {Entered
5/24/2005 WDP}
4/28/2005: RUSSIA, EGYPT TO CONTINUE
NUCLEAR COOPERATION According to Aleksandr Rumyantsev, head of the
Russian Federal Atomic Energy
Agency, Egypt and Russia are nearly ready to enact an intergovernmental
agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.
According to media reports, a research and medical center has been established in Egypt based on a Russian cyclotron. The two countries are also ready to cooperate in setting
up an accelerator for the production of radiopharmaceuticals. The
construction of a nuclear-powered water desalinization plant is also under
negotiation.[2] (For earlier stories on Russian nuclear cooperation with Egypt,
see the 11/29/2004 entry, below.) Sources:
[1] "Russia, Egypt Plan Nuclear Cooperation," UPI, 28 April 2005; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[2] "Russia-Egypt Atomic Energy Peaceful Use Agt Ready - Rumyantsev," ITAR-TASS,
27 April 2005; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
4/11/2005: MYANMAR RESEARCH REACTOR
TALKS HALTED According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, as of April 2005 no talks
between the Russian Federation and Myanmar regarding the construction of a
nuclear reactor were under way. In May 2002, the Russian government approved a draft
agreement with Myanmar on cooperation in constructing a nuclear research
reactor. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the negotiations
ended in 2002 because Yangon (Rangoon) has no money to pay for such a
facility.[1] Reportedly, the project would cost $25-30 million, excluding
the possible supply of fuel.[2] The question of the
nuclear reactor deal was brought up by reports in the media that students from
Myanmar are currently studying nuclear technology in Russia. The Foreign
Ministry stressed that the approximately 1,000 students are studying in Russia
on a commercial basis and are in no way related to agreements in the nuclear sphere.[1] Sources:
[1] "Russia Denies Helping Burma Obtain Nuclear Know-How," BBC Monitoring, 11
April 2005; in Proquest Direct,
http://www.proquest.umi.com.
[2] Vladimir Rogachev, "Reactor In Myanmar is Statement of Intent - Atomic
Minister," ITAR-TASS 21 May 2002; in Proquest Direct,
http://www.proquest.umi.com. {Entered
5/18/2005 WDP;
2/27/2005: RUSSIA AND IRAN SIGN
NUCLEAR FUEL DEAL On 27 February 2005, Russia and Iran signed agreements that will allow Tehran
to start up the Bushehr nuclear power plant in 2006. Under the agreement, Russia
committed to supply Iran with approximately 110 tons of nuclear fuel while
Iran promised to repatriate all spent nuclear fuel back to Russia.[1] By
returning the spent nuclear fuel, Moscow and Iran hope to allay fears
that Iran may use the spent fuel to develop nuclear arms.[2] The conclusion of
an agreement on the return of spent nuclear fuel has been delayed for years
(for more information, see the 11/10/2003 and
12/26/2002 entries below). Even the 26 February
signing ceremony was delayed one day due to questions regarding the readiness of storage facilities
in Iran and the delivery schedule, with Russia seeking a later delivery date and
Iran seeking an earlier date. Although the final details of the delivery
date were not revealed, Aleksandr Rumyantsev, head of Russia's
Federal Atomic Energy Agency, said that
the Iranian nuclear plant is scheduled to come online in late 2006 and the
fuel will be delivered six months prior to that.[1,3] Sources:
[1] David Holley, "Russia, Iran Sign Pacts on Nuclear Plant; Moscow says
Tehran will return all spent atomic fuel, thereby eliminating the possibility
of its being used for weapons," Los Angeles Times, 28 February 2005, p.
A3; in ProQuest , http://proquest.umi.com.
[2] Paul Hughes, "Iran, Russia Sign Nuclear Fuel Deal Opposed by U.S." Reuters,
27 February 2005.
[3] ITAR-TASS, 26 February 2005; in BBC Worldwide Monitoring; in "Iran nuclear
fuel deal snagged over readiness of N-plant," Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.{Entered
11/3/2005 WDP}
2/2005: RUSSIA BIDS ON CHINESE REACTORS
In February 2005,
Atomstroyeksport submitted a bid to build a total of four 1000 MWe
reactors in China. The plan calls for two reactors in Sanmen (Zhejiang
province) and an additional
two units in Yanjiang (Guangdong province).[1] Atomstroyeksport's bid included its V-392 version of
the VVER-1000 MWe reactor. Other companies bidding on the project are US-based,
but British-owned Westinghouse and France's AREVA.[2] Sources:
[1] "Nuclear Power in China," World Nuclear Association Web Site, http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/printable_information_papers/inf63print.htm,
July 2005.
[2] Yevgeniy Solovev, "Rossiya primet uchastiye v tendere na sooruzheniye
energoblokov dlya dvukh AES v Kitaye, zayavil predstavitel 'Atomstroyeksporta,'"
ITAR-TASS, 24 February 2005.
1/15/2005: RUSSIA DELIVERS NUCLEAR
REACTOR TO INDIAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT On 15
January 2005, Russia delivered the first of two nuclear reactors for the
Koodankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu,
India. The first nuclear power unit is expected to start operation in 2007. [Natalia Shishlo, "Russia Transfers to India First Nuclear Reactor for
Kudankulam Power Project," RIA Novosti,
http://en.rian.ru.] {Entered 3/11/2005 WDP}
12/3-5/2005: RUSSIA, INDIA DISCUSS
NUCLEAR SUBMARINE CONTRACT DURING PUTIN VISIT TO INDIA Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 3-5 December 2004.
Included in the discussions was the possible ten-year lease of two
Project 971 Shchuka-B [NATO name 'Akula II'] class nuclear-powered
submarines.[1] However, no final agreement was reached.[2] The two
submarines are being constructed at the
Amur Shipbuilding Yard; the
first vessel is approximately 85% complete.[3] Construction of one
submarine is estimated to cost $400 million while leasing fees will reportedly be around $25
million per year.[2] Also discussed was the Indian purchase of two Varshavyanka [NATO name
'Kilo'] class diesel-electric submarines.[4] Other topics discussed during the
visit included the exports of
BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles
to third countries. One of the main problems impeding military-technical
cooperation between India and Russia is the absence of an agreement protecting
intellectual property rights, which affects arms produced in India under Russian license.[5]
Sources:
[1] Konstantin Lantratov, "Oruzheynyy zavoz," Kommersant,
http://www.kommersant.ru,
1 December 2004.
[2] "India To Pay $2 Billion For Russian Weaponry," RIA Novosti,
http://en.rian.ru, 1 December 2004.
[3] "Russia Lends Nuclear-Powered Submarine to India" Moscow News online
edition, http://www.mosnews.com, 21 October
2004.
[4] Vedomosti, 6 December 04; in "Putin India Visit Fails To Secure New
Weapons Contracts, Aides Cited," in FBIS Document CEP20041206000356.
[5] Kommersant, 4 December 2004, p. 2; in "Putin Discusses Military Cooperation in India; Criticizes Unipolar World,"
in FBIS Document CEP20041207000257.{Entered 3/11/2005 WDP}
11/29/2004: EGYPT, RUSSIA SIGN
NUCLEAR COOPERATION AGREEMENT On 29 November 2004 in Cairo, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and his
Egyptian
counterpart, Ahmand Nazif, signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The document provides for the development of bilateral cooperation in many
areas, including designing, building, using, and modifying power-generating and
research reactors, desalinators, and accelerators.[1] Russia has proposed
the construction of a nuclear power plant and
nuclear-powered desalinization plant in Egypt. Reportedly, the
Russian
Federal Atomic Energy Agency feels confident that it will win a $1 billion
Egypt contract.[2] Russia is currently modernizing an Egyptian research
and medical center and is interested in modernizing an
additional Soviet-designed research reactor.[3] Sources:
[1] "Russia, Egypt Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement," ITAR-TASS, 29 November
2004; in Proquest Direct,
http://proquest.umi.com.
[2] "Russia, Egypt Sign Cooperation Agreement On Peaceful Use Of Nuclear
Energy," ITAR-TASS, 29 November 2004; in "Moscow Daily Previews Premier
Fradkov's Egypt Visit," FBIS Document CEP20041130000164.
[3] "Russia Offers To Build Nuclear Plant In Egypt," Interfax, 29 November 2004;
FBIS Document CEP20041129000230. {Entered 6/6/2005 WDP}
11/26/2004: BRAZIL AND RUSSIA
CONSIDER COOPERATION IN NUCLEAR POWER SECTOR According to Nikolai Shingarev, head of the Federal Atomic Energy Agency Intergovernmental Cooperation and Information
Policy Directorate, Brazil is interested in
cooperating with Russia in the nuclear power sector. Reportedly, Brazil's
atomic energy agencies have submitted proposals to the Russian Federal Atomic
Energy Agency for the possible construction of Russian-designed nuclear power
plants.[1,2] Russian experts are currently studying the proposals.
According to Russian officials, Brazil
is also interested in small capacity floating nuclear power plants
for desalination, to be used in southern Brazil.[2] The announcement of
the Brazilian proposals comes shortly over a month after a Russian-Brazilian
high-level meeting for trade and economic cooperation on 12 October 2004, where
space exploration and the peaceful use of nuclear energy were highlighted as
promising areas of cooperation between Russia and Brazil.[3] Sources:
[1] "Brazil Proposes Nuclear Energy
Cooperation With Russia," Prime-TASS, 26 November 2004; in Lexis-Nexis Academic
Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[2] "Brazil Shows Interest in Russian
Atomic Energy Installations," ITAR-TASS, 26 November 2004; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[3] "Russia: Brazilian VP Says Nuclear Energy Most Promising Area of
Cooperation," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 12 October 2004.{Entered 6/1/05 WDP}
10/29/2003: RUSSIA LOSES BID FOR
FINNISH REACTOR CONTRACT Atomstroyeksport, the Russian
nuclear export company, recently lost its bid to build Finland a new VVER-type
nuclear reactor. While no contract has been signed, the Finnish power
company TVO has ended negotiations with bidders including General Electric,
Atomstroyeksport and Framatome. TVO selected the
Framatome bid, which offered the largest reactor of the three. The pressurized water reactor will
have an output of 1,600 megawatts and cost up to .5 billion
(approximately $2.9 billion as of October 2003). However, the value of the
project will be closer to billion including waste management
expenses. The General Electric bid was reportedly too expensive and the
reactor offered by Atomstroyexport too small. ["Russia Loses Tender to Build Nuclear Reactor in Finland," Bellona, http://www.bellona.no."]
{Entered 6/2/2005 WDP}
8/25/2003: RUSSIA, INDONESIA HOLD
TALKS ON NUCLEAR COOPERATION As of 20 August 2003, the Russian government had approved a draft version of
an agreement with the Indonesian government on cooperation in the peaceful use
of nuclear energy.[1] The Russian Atomic Energy Ministry and
Foreign Ministry
have been instructed to hold talks with Indonesia in order to conclude, within
the next year, a final framework agreement for cooperation in the use of nuclear
power.[2] According to the draft agreement, the two countries plan to cooperate
in the development, designing, construction and operation of research reactors
and nuclear power plants. According to Russian officials, Jakarta has taken a special interest in
low-capacity Russian-made reactors, including
floating nuclear power plants.[2] Sources:
[1] "Russia Approves Draft Agreement On Nuclear Cooperation With Indonesia,"
Interfax, 20 August 2003; in ProQuest,
http://proquest.umi.com.
[2] German Solomatin, "Russian Atomic Energy Ministry To Hold Talks With
Indonesia On Nuclear Cooperation," ITAR-TASS, 25 August 2003; in Lexis-Nexis
Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com. {Entered 6/2/2005 WDP}
2/5/2003: RUMYANTSEV ON COOPERATION WITH IRAQ, NORTH KOREA Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev told reporters on 5
February 2003 that Russia would be willing to cooperate with post-Saddam
Hussein Iraq in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Rumyantsev stressed
that countries with nuclear technologies should help nations that have signed
the
Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) and, therefore,
are entitled to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Rumyantsev
also said that he does not believe that North Korea has nuclear weapons, and
that neither the
Ministry of Atomic Energy, nor
the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) has any evidence that North Korea has a nuclear
weapons complex. Rumyantsev added that if North Korea withdraws from the NPT,
Russia would be precluded from cooperation with North Korea. (For more
information on the recent developments in North Korea, please see the
North
Korea Special Collection on the Center for Nonproliferation Studies Web
Site.) ["Rossiya v perspektive mozhet sotrudnichat s Irakom v
yadernoy oblasti, schitayet glava Minatoma," Interfax, 5 February 2003.]
{Entered 4/8/2003}
1/15/2003: MINATOM DENIES NUCLEAR REACTOR AGREEMENT WITH SYRIA Interfax reported on 15 January 2003 that the
Ministry of Atomic Energy
(Minatom) denied it had been in talks
with Syria on an agreement to construct up to two nuclear reactors in that
country. According to Minatom, while Syria had expressed interest in the
construction of a nuclear power plant and a desalinization facility using a
nuclear reactor, no concrete steps had been taken to pursue these projects.[1] However, according
to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia
and Syria reached an agreement in principle to begin the construction of two
nuclear facilities in Syria. According to the agreement, Minatom
specialists will assist in the construction of a nuclear-power plant and a
nuclear-powered desalinization plant. While the cost of the project was
not announced experts estimate the price to be approximately $2 billion.[2]
Sources:
[1] "Plany stroitelstva AES s uchastiyem Rossii poka
yavlyayutsya tolko namereniem siriyskoy storony - Minatom RF," Interfax, 15
January 2003. {Entered 4/8/2003 MJ}
[2] "V Moskve dostignuta printsipialnaya dogovorennost o stroitelstvye rossiyskimi
spetsialistami dvukh yadernykh obyektov v Sirii," RIA TEK, 15 January 2003; in
Integrum, http://www.integrum.com.{Entered
6/13/2005 WDP}
1/11/2003: RUSSIA EXPRESSES READINESS TO BUILD REACTOR IN NORTH KOREA On 11 January 2003, Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev
said that Russia is capable of building a nuclear reactor in North Korea, and
that such a reactor might help defuse the crisis on the peninsula. He drew
parallels with the 1993 crisis which resulted in a Western commitment to construct
a nuclear reactor in North Korea and provide shipments of fuel oil. Rumyantsev
also expressed concern about North Korea's withdrawal from the
Non-Proliferation
Treaty, which he views as the cornerstone for the development of peaceful uses
of nuclear energy. (For more information on the recent developments in North
Korea, please see the
North
Korea Special Collection on the Center for Nonproliferation Studies Web
Site.) [Veronika Voskoboynikova, "Rossiya tekhnicheski v sostoyanii postroit AES v KNDR, chto
pomoglo by snizit ostrotu situatsii vokrug Pkhenyana, schitayet glava Minatoma,"
ITAR-TASS, 11 January 2003; in Integrum
Techno, http://www.integrum.com.]
{Entered 1/28/2003 MJ}
10/16/2002: RUSSIA DENIES CLAIMS OF NUCLEAR COOPERATION WITH IRAQ, SYRIA On 16 October 2002, Minister of
Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev told reporters that Russia did not cooperate
with Iraq in the area of nuclear technology, and that all such cooperation had
been
halted in 1980.[1] One day later Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Saltanov
denied allegations that Russia was aiding Syria's nuclear research.[2] Sources:
[1] ITAR-TASS, 16 October 2002; in "Russian Atomic Energy Ministry denies
cooperation with Iraq," FBIS Document CEP 20021016000192.
[2] ITAR-TASS, 17 October 2002; in "Russian diplomat denies US claims on nuclear
cooperation with Syria," FBIS Document CEP20021017000091. {Entered 11/26/2002 MJ}
8/28/2002: RUSSIA HOPES TO EXPAND NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES MARKET SHARE On 28 August 2002,
Atomstroyeksport General Director Viktor Kozlov told ITAR-TASS that
Russia was ready to expand its presence on the global nuclear technologies
market. Kozlov said the East would be the most likely area of Russian activity, and
considered US and European markets closed to Russian firms. According to Kozlov, successful implementation of Russian programs in Iran, India, and China
will contribute to Russia's expansion into other markets. [ITAR-TASS, 28 August 2002; in "Russia prepared to make 'fast
headway' in nuclear power technologies market," FBIS Document CEP20020828000437.]
{Entered 11/27/2002 MJ}
8/15/2002: RUSSIA DENIES NUCLEAR REACTOR TALKS WITH NORTH KOREA On 15 August 2002, the Russian
government denied reports stating that Russia was engaged in discussions with North Korea on
construction of an NPP in that country. ["Moscow denies discussing nuclear power plant with North
Korea," Agence France Presse, 15 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://www.lexis-nexis.com.] {Entered
11/26/2002 MJ} 7/9/2002: RUSSIA
TO BID FOR FINNISH REACTOR CONTRACT Interfax reported on 9 July 2002
that Russia will offer to build Finland a VVER-type reactor similar to the one
under construction at the Lianyungang NPP in China. The Finnish parliament
voted on 24 May 2002 to build a new reactor in Finland. The cost of the
project is estimated at 1.7 billion euros, half of which will be spent on
equipment purchases. Atomstroyeksport General Director Viktor Kozlov
believes that Russia's chances of winning the tender are good, since one of the two
existing Finnish NPPs,
the Lovisa NPP, is of Russian design. ["Rossiya primet uchastiye v tendere na stroitelstvo AES v
Finlyandii," Interfax, 9 July 2002.] {Entered 8/1/2002 MJ} 5/31/2002:
MINATOM CONSIDERS BUILDING NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR IN BULGARIA On 31 May 2002 the Ministry of
Atomic Energy press service informed Interfax that it is considering the
possibility of building a new nuclear power plant (NPP) in Bulgaria. The new
NPP would be constructed on the site of the unfinished Belena NPP. The
announcement was made in conjunction with Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev's visit to Bulgaria. Rumyantsev's agenda also included
talks on the reconstruction of units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy NPP, and
extending the service life of units 1 and 2. ["Russian Atomic Ministry Considering Construction of New
Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria," Interfax, 31 May 2002.] {Entered 8/1/2002 MJ} 5/24/2002: RUSSIAN
COOPERATION WITH IRAN ON PUTIN/BUSH SUMMIT AGENDA For additional information, please
see the 5/24/2002 entry in the
Russia: Nuclear Exports to Iran: Developments section. {Entered
6/20/02 SF}
5/15/2002: MYANMAR RESEARCH
REACTOR PROJECT APPROVED On 15 May 2002, the Russian government approved a draft agreement with
Myanmar on cooperation in constructing a nuclear research center. According to
the draft agreement, Myanmar would receive a pool-type 10MW (thermal) nuclear
research reactor. Minatom will bear the responsibility for implementing the
agreement. Russian entities will perform all design work, select the site for
the center and reactor, and supply necessary equipment and nuclear fuel for the
reactor.[1] According to Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev, the
research reactor will most likely be designed on the basis of a VVER design, and
Russia will earn $25-30 million on the project. However, Myanmar has not yet
provided Russia with specifications for its nuclear research center, and construction may not start for another five years, said Rumyantsev.[2] Sources:
[1] "Pravitelstvo RF odobrilo proyekt soglasheniya o stroitelstve tsentra
yadernykh issledovaniy v Myanme," Interfax, 15 May 2002.
[2] "RF na stroitelstve reaktora v Myanme zarabotayet $25-30 mln. - glava
Minatoma," Interfax, 22 May 2002. {Entered 11/26/2002 MJ}
4/26/2002: LMZ COMPLETES TURBINE FOR BUSHEHR For additional information please
see the 4/26/2002 entry in the
Russia: Nuclear Exports to Iran: Developments section. {Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
4/25/2002: OMZ TO SUPPLY EQUIPMENT FOR KOODANKULAM For more information please see
the 4/25/2002 entry in the Russia:
Nuclear Exports to India: Developments section. {Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
4/22/2002: NORTH KOREA INVITES RUSSIA TO BUILD A NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR ITAR-TASS reported on 22 April 2002 that North Korean Supreme People's Assembly
Speaker Choe Tae Bok, during his March 2002 visit to Russia, met with the
Russian
Minister of Science, Industry, and Technology Ilya Klebanov and discussed the
possibility of Russia building a nuclear power plant in North Korea. According
to Presidential Envoy to the Far East Federal Okrug Konstantin Pulikovskiy (who established a personal relationship with North Korean leader
Kim Jong-Il during his visit to Russia in August 2001), Russia would closely
study the request.[1] Commenting on the request, a
Minatom official said that
Russia would most likely build the reactor in Russia close to the border with
North Korea, rather than in North Korea. Doing so would both reduce the threat
of proliferation and allow Russia's Far East to use the electricity generated by
the reactor.[2] The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russia was
interested in cooperating with North Korea on peaceful uses of nuclear energy as
long as such cooperation was for mutual economic benefit and in accordance with IAEA guidelines. A similar invitation to construct a nuclear power plant in
North Korea was made by Kim Jong-Il during this August 2001 visit to Russia.[3]
Sources: [1] ITAR-TASS, 22 April 2002; in "Russia to 'closely study' invite to build
nuclear power plant in North Korea," FBIS Document CEP20020422000302. [2] "Russia may build nuclear power plant near, not in, North Korea," Agence
France Presse, 23 April 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://www.lexis-nexis.com/. [3] Maksim Shmakov, RIA-Novosti, 20 May 2002; in "Russian interested in peaceful
atomic cooperation with North Korea," FBIS Document CEP20020520000374.
{Entered 5/24/2002 MJ}
4/18/2002: MINATOM EXPECTS 10 POWER PLANTS OVER THE NEXT DECADE Deputy Minister of Atomic Energy Bulat Nigmatulin told reporters on 18 April
2002 that Russia could build up to 10 nuclear power reactors in foreign
countries over the next 10 years. In addition to the five reactors under
construction in China, Iran, and India, Minatom expects to build another five by
2010 at $800-900 million apiece. Construction of new reactors is already under
discussion with Iran. [Interfax, 18 April 2002; in "Russia could build 10 nuclear reactors abroad in
coming decade," FBIS Document CEP20020418000063.] {Entered 5/24/2002 MJ}
4/4/2002: RUSSIAN DEFENSE, FOREIGN MINISTERS DENY CLAIMS OF DUAL-USE EXPORTS TO IRAN For additional information please
see the 4/4/2002 entry in the
Russia: Missile Exports to Iran: Developments section. {Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
4/3/2002: RUSSIAN SPECIALISTS COMPLETE INSTALLATION OF FIRST REACTOR AT
LIANYUNGANG NPP On 3 April 2002 Russian specialists completed the installation of the first
reactor at the Lianyungang NPP.
For additional information please see the
4/3/2002 entry in the Russia:
Nuclear Exports to China: Developments section.{Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
3/27/2002: MINATOM EARNED $2.5 BILLION FROM EXPORTS IN 2001 Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev announced at a briefing on 27
March 2002 that in 2001 Minatom's
exports were worth 9.9% more than in
2000 and reached $2.5 billion. Minatom's main activities in 2001 were the delivery of
5,000t of equipment to the Bushehr NPP in Iran, and 8,500t
of equipment to the Lianyungang NPP in China. Discussing upcoming activities, Rumyantsev mentioned the contract signed by Minatom with Bulgaria for the
modernization of Kozloduy NPP
that is supposed to enter into effect on 1 July 2002, and the participation in
a Finnish tender for the construction of a 1,500MW NPP. ["Za postavlennuyu na eksport produktsiyu v 2001 godu Minatom Rossii poluchil
okolo 2,5 mlrd dollarov," UNIAN, 25-31 March 2002.] {Entered 5/24/2002 MJ}
2/22/2002: CIA REPORT
IDENTIFIES RUSSIA AS A NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIER A CIA report released on 22
February 2002 identified Russia as one of the main suppliers of nuclear
technologies, expertise, and materials, causing concern about the proliferation
potential of such sales. Russia's activities included approving a draft
cooperative program with Syria on developing nuclear power for civilian uses.
Despite the avowedly civilian nature of the project, its implementation would
give Syria broader access to Russian nuclear infrastructure and expertise that
could provide opportunities for Syria to acquire expertise needed for a
nuclear weapons program. In January and November 2000 Russian and Libya
conducted discussions on a potential nuclear power reactor contract
and cooperation at the Tajura
National Research Center. Such activities could also provide Libya with an
opportunity to acquire technologies that could be diverted into a weapons
program. In May 2000 President Putin amended the nuclear export controls edict
to permit the export of nuclear equipment, materials, and technologies to
countries without full-scope IAEA safeguards in exceptional cases, a move that
may pave the way for expanded nuclear exports to countries which do not have
such safeguards, including India. A major factor in Russia's proliferation
behavior is the acute financial situation of many defense and nuclear
institutions and the Russian government's desire to earn foreign currency
through exports. For additional information on Russia's nuclear assistance to
Iran detailed in the CIA report please see the
2/22/2002
entry in the Russia: Nuclear Exports to Iran: Developments section of the
database. ["Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January
Through 30 June 2001," Central Intelligence Agency Web Site,
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/bian/bian_jan_2002.htm, 22 February
2002.] {Entered 5/23/2002 MJ}
2/15/2002: BUSHEHR NPP TO START OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER 2003 For additional information please
see the 2/15/2002
entry in the Russia: Nuclear Exports to Iran: Developments section.
{Entered 5/24/2002 MJ}
2/7/2002: RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY CONTESTS CIA REPORT FINDINGS On 7 February 2002, the Russian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) released a statement expressing "amazement
and serious concern" about allegations concerning Russia's proliferation
behavior contained in an unclassified CIA report on WMD nonproliferation. For additional information, please see the
2/7/2002 entry in the Russia: General Missile
Export Developments section. {Entered 5/24/2002 MJ}
1/30/2002: INDIAN NEWSPAPERS DISCUSS NUCLEAR SUBMARINE ISSUES For additional information please
see the 1/30/2002 entry in the
Russia: Nuclear Exports to India Developments section. {Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
1/23/2002: MINATOM PREPARES
DRAFT REACTOR AGREEMENT FOR MYANMAR Interfax reported on 23 January
2002 that the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy has submitted to the government a draft agreement on
constructing a 15MW light water nuclear research reactor in Myanmar. Minatom
sources informed Interfax that the project has been coordinated with other
agencies of the Russian government. The government is expected to give its
approval in the first quarter of 2002; construction is to begin in three to four years. The project's value has
not been disclosed, but is estimated at $100 million. ["Atomic energy ministry submits draft on Myanmar project," Interfax, 23
January 2002.] {Entered 7/25/2002 MJ} 1/3/2002: RUSSIA TO SUPPLY MYANMAR WITH A NUCLEAR
RESEARCH REACTOR BBC News reported on 21 January 2002 that
Myanmar plans to build a nuclear research reactor near the town of Magwe with Russia's assistance.[1]
According to ITAR-TASS, the proposed reactor will have a generating capacity
of 10MW and will be designed to produce radioactive isotopes.[2] Given
that there is currently a great demand for isotopic manufacturing components
in Southeast Asia, The Straits Times predicted that Myanmar would more than likely
produce radioactive isotopes for export.[3] The total cost
of the project has been estimated at $5 billion. Both parties agreed that the loan for this amount will be repaid by Myanmar in the form of raw materials and food products.[2] In
his first official statement to the press, Myanmar Deputy Foreign
Minister Khin Maung Win stressed that the reactor would be used
exclusively for peaceful purposes.[1,2] However, General Bo Mya of the
National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), the leading opposition group,
stated that there is no guarantee that the reactor will not be used for
military purposes.[4] Furthermore, there is a major concern that since
Myanmar lacks the infrastructure and technology to deal with nuclear waste, it
is not adequately prepared to handle nuclear waste safely.[3] Several
intelligence experts within the Myanmar Army also believe that it is unlikely
that Myanmar will proceed with this project due to the country's difficult
economic situation.[5] Nevertheless, Russia has already provided nuclear
training to over 300 Myanmar scientists and anticipates delivery of the reactor and
other necessary equipment in 2003.[6] The draft proposal is expected to
be finalized some time in the beginning of 2002.[4]
Sources: [1] "Burma to Build Nuclear Reactor,"
BBC, 21 January 2002; in RANSAC Nuclear News,
http://www.ransac.org, 23
January 2002. [2] ITAR-TASS, 22 January 2002; in "Myanmar
Confirms Plans to Commission Nuclear Reactor from Russia," FBIS Document
CEP20020122000649. [3] Larry Jagan, "Yangon's Nuclear
Ambitions Alarm Asia and Europe," The Straits Times, 18 January 2002;
in RANSAC Nuclear News,
http://www.ransac.org
, 23 January 2002. [4] "Burma dissidents say planned
nuclear reactor could be 'next Chernobyl'," AFP, 25 January 2002; in FBIS Document SEP20020125000040. [5] "Reactor for Burma Unlikely, Says
Army," Bangkok Post, 18 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com. [6] Bertil Lintner, "Burma Joins the
Nuclear Club: Russia Muscles in on China's Turf with a Reactor for Burma,"
Far Eastern Economic Review, 3 January 2002;
in RANSAC Nuclear News,
http://www.ransac.org, 3 January 2002. {Entered
1/25/2002 IA}
11/11/2001: RUSSIAN DELEGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN GAS CENTRIFUGE LAUNCH IN CHINA On 11 November 2001 a Minatom delegation headed by Minister of Atomic Energy Aleksandr Rumyantsev left for China to participate in the launch of the
third stage of a gas centrifuge in Lanzhou
in central China. For additional information please see the
11/11/2001 entry in the Russia:
Nuclear Exports to China: Developments section. {Entered
5/24/2002 MJ}
11/9/2001: ATOMSTROYEKSPORT DIRECTOR DISCUSSES
RUSSIAN NUCLEAR PROJECTS IN INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES In an interview with Vek on 9 November 2001,
Atomstroyeksport General Director Viktor Kozlov announced that the company's contract with the Corporation for Atomic Energy of
India to build the Indian Koodankulam
NPP has been approved and will earn Russia about $3 billion.
Approximately 500 Russian industrial enterprises will be
involved in providing services for the construction that is expected to be
completed by 2009. According to Kozlov, Russian nuclear institutions
depend on foreign contracts to provide the necessary income to remain in
operation. Commenting on Russian nuclear projects in other countries, Kozlov
said that the Bushehr NPP in Iran is nearing completion, and the future
construction of a second unit at Bushehr is also anticipated. Russia
is building two units at the Chinese Tianwan NPP, and in Slovakia two completed units
recently went online at the Mochovce NPP. Russian
institutes are currently modernizing the Kozloduy NPP in Bulgaria, and will be bidding
for a contract next year to build a NPP unit in Finland. Kozlov said
that these various projects are a political success for Russia because they
help integrate Russia into the global economy.
[Gennadiy
Voskresenskiy, "A Facility of Geopolitical Importance," Vek,
9 November 2001, p. 3; in "Atomstroyeksport Head Surveys Russian
Nuclear Projects in India, Other Nations," FBIS Document
CEP20011109000228.] {Entered 11/15/01 RG}
6/4/2001: RUSSIA READY TO SHARE ADVANCED REACTOR
TECHNOLOGIES The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 4 June
2001 reporting that a group of Minatom specialists visiting Mexico, Argentina,
and Brazil stated that Russia was ready to contribute its latest fast breeder
reactor and closed nuclear fuel cycle technologies to "interested
countries" under the IAEA's International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles
(INPRO).[1] The Russian delegation's goal was to clarify President Putin's
proposals on energy, nonproliferation, and environmental restoration, which
he announced in his 6 September 2000 speech at the United Nations.[2] The
Russian delegation also discussed issues related to nuclear energy
cooperation, including development of new technologies.[1,2] Sources: [1] "Moskva gotova delitsya noveyshimi narabotkami v atomnoy energetike,"
Interfax, 4 June 2001. [2] "O poyezdke gruppy ekspertov Minatoma Rossii v Meksiku, Argentinu i
Braziliu," Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release, 4 June
2001. {Entered 6/13/2001 MJ}
12/22/2000: MYANMAR DELEGATION SEEKS RUSSIAN NUCLEAR
ASSISTANCE During an official visit to Russia on 19-22 December
2000, a delegation from Myanmar headed by Minister of Science and Technology U
Taung visited a number of Russian nuclear research institutes. According to Minatom's press service, the delegation expressed interest in building a 10MW research reactor with Russian assistance to be used in peaceful research,
and expressed readiness to send a group of specialists to Russia for training
in operating research reactors. The Myanmar delegation was invited to Russia
by Minister of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov. ["Delegatsiya Soyuza Myanma posetila v Moskve ryad
institutov Minatoma Rossii," RIA Oreanda, 22 December 2000;
in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru/.]
{Entered 1/23/2001 MJ}
12/19/2000: CUBA ABANDONS JURAGUA NPP During President Putin's visit to Havana in December 2000, Cuba told Russia it is no
longer interested in completing the unfinished Soviet-designed Juragua nuclear
power plant.[1] The news of the abandonment came from the chairman
of the Cuban National Assembly's economics committee, and was repeated during talks
between Presidents Castro and Putin.[1,2]
Cuban officials mentioned that the Juragua NPP was not conceived as employing
one or two isolated reactors, but as part of a broadly developed nuclear program
and that it is no longer feasible to continue with the project. In a
speech made after Putin's departure, Castro made it clear that Cuba is pursuing
a non-nuclear solution to Cuba's energy problems. This path includes
natural gas-powered electricity generation in a joint venture established with
the Canadian company Sherritt International Corporation.[1] Sources:
[1] Pascal Fletcher, "Cuba Rejects Russian Nuclear Plant Offer," Financial
Times, 19 December 2000; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com.
[2] "No Sense in Completing Russian-tech Nuke Plant: Cuban Lawmaker," Agence
France Presse, 19 December 2000; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe,
http://web.lexis-nexis.com. {Entered
5/25/2005 WDP}
12/10/2000: JURAGUA NPP ON PUTIN'S AGENDA DURING
VISIT TO CUBA Interfax reported on 10 December 2000 that the
status of the incomplete Juragua NPP
was on the agenda of the Russian delegation headed by President Vladimir Putin
during his visit to Cuba on 13 through 17 December 2000.[1] According to
Russian press reports, the Russian delegation reached a preliminary agreement
with the Cuban government on completing the Juragua NPP and on a wide range of
other economic projects.[2] For additional information on Juragua NPP
completion initiatives please see the 9/1/98 and 8/8/98
entries in this section. Sources: [1] "V Kremle polagayut, chto vizit
Putina v Gavanu privedet k proryvu v rossiysko-kubinskikh otnosheniyakh,"
Interfax, 10 December 2000. [2] Aleksey Chichkin, "Vechnuyu druzhbu smenil vzaimnyy interes," Rossiyskaya
gazeta, 16 December 2000; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru/.
{Entered 1/22/2001 MJ} 11/21/2000: NO PROSPECTS FOR LIFTING ANTI-DUMPING
RESTRICTIONS ON
RUSSIA'S URANIUM EXPORTS According to Sergey Naumov, the director of
Geologorazvedka, Russia's main geological department for uranium under the
Ministry of Natural Resources, the low prices for uranium on the world markets
mean that Russia should not expect the anti-dumping restrictions imposed on
its uranium exports by the majority of Western countries to be lifted within
the next three to five years. This
prediction was supported by IAEA representative Douglas Underhill, who stated
that uranium supply and demand forecasts indicate uranium prices will remain
stable during the next few years. ["Rossiya v blizhayshyye gody ne smozhet
dobitsya otmeny ogranicheniy na eksport urana, schitayet ekspert,"
Interfax, 29 November 2000.] {Entered 1/22/2001 MJ}
8/9/2000: CIA REPORT SAYS RUSSIA SUPPLIED
NUCLEAR ASSISTANCE TO IRAN AND INDIA IN 1999 A CIA report to Congress released on 9 August 2000 stated that Russian sources
supplied Iran and India with nuclear-related assistance in 1999. According
to the report, Russian entities provided information and assistance to
Iranian nuclear research centers, and assisted in continuing the construction of
the 1,000 MW nuclear power reactor in Bushehr. The report also said that Russian
entities supplied India with material
for its civilian nuclear program during 1999.
["Unclassified Report to Congress on the
Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced
Conventional Munitions, Through December 31,1999, " US Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA), 9 August 2000; in "CIA WMD Report," Disarmament
Diplomacy, No. 49; in The Acronym
Institute Web Site, http://www.acronym.org.uk/49wmd.htm.
]{Entered 1/25/01 RG}
2/9/99: MINATOM 1998 EXPORT REVENUES
DOWN 13.7 PERCENT FROM 1997 On 9 February 1999, the press service
of the Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy announced that the volume of Russian
exports of nuclear goods and services totaled $1.88 billion in 1998, a
13.7 percent decline from 1997. Uranium and isotopes account for
75 percent of Russian nuclear exports, with fuel elements making up another
20 percent. The remainder of the exports are machinery, equipment,
and raw materials. Documents for the completion of Unit 1 at the Bushehr
nuclear power plant in Iran have been drafted, construction work has begun,
the hydraulic structures already in place were examined in 1998, and additional
prospecting work has been started. Russia intends to participate in the
construction of two VVER-1000 power reactors at the Lianyungang nuclear
power plant in China, with the possibility to increase the project to four
units. A technical proposal will be completed by April 1999, and
site leveling is underway. A contract for a technical proposal for
a nuclear power plant in India was signed in 1998. The first unit
of a nuclear power plant in Slovakia was started up in October 1998, and
start-up activities for the second unit are underway. Framework agreements
for cooperation on the construction of nuclear power plants in the Czech
Republic, Bulgaria, Cuba, and Ukraine are being prepared.
["Rossiyskiy atomnyy eksport sokratilsya
v 1998 godu na 13,7%," Interfax, 9 February 1999.]{entered 3/22/99 FW}
1/11/99: TVEL WILL TAKE OVER RUSSIAN
FUEL EXPORTS Aleksey Grigoriyev, foreign relations manager for TVEL,
a Russian company controlled by the Ministry of Atomic Energy (Minatom),
said that TVEL will replace Tekhsnabeksport as the exporter of Russian
fuel for VVER power reactors in Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic.
The value of TVEL's fuel exports to these countries is expected to reach
$155 million in the near term. TVEL also intends to supplant Tekhsnabeksport
as the supplier of fuel to Soviet-designed reactors in Slovakia, from which
it expects to earn $40 million, and in Finland as Tekhsnabeksport's contracts
with those countries expire. In addition, TVEL will be responsible for
fuel supplies to RBMK reactors in Ukraine and Lithuania and for the Russian-designed
power reactors under construction in Bushehr, Iran, and Lianyungang, China,
and is negotiating with India to supply fuel for the VVER reactor planned
for Koodankulam. Tekhsnabeksport will continue to reprocess spent fuel
from reactors outside Russia and will export natural uranium, HEU, and
radioisotopes. Tekhsnabeksport General Director Albert Shishkin refused
to comment on these developments, which may indicate a weakening of the
company's position within Minatom.
[Sergey Rybak, "Russia's TVEL to take over fuel export business,"
NuclearFuel,
Vol.24, No.1, 11 January 1999, p.17.]{entered 3/22/99 FW}
12/18/98: ADAMOV REPORTS
ON NUCLEAR EXPORTS, REORGANIZATION PLANS Minister of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov presented
a report to the State Duma of the Russian Federation and answered deputies'
questions on 18 December 1998. Two major issues discussed in the report
are the separation of Atomprom from Minatom and the appointment of financier
Leonid Melamed, an associate of Anatoliy Chubais and former member of the
board of directors of Unified Energy System of Russia (YeES Rossii), as
executive director of Rosenergoatom.
The separation of Atomprom is opposed by people associated with former
Minister of Atmomic Energy Viktor Mikhailov, who argue that Atomprom's
export revenues could allow the ministry to conduct research and development
and support closed cities. Adamov, however, believes that if Atomprom becomes
a separate state-owned company, its managerial structures will become more
flexible and it will be able to secure more credit. Although Melamed
arranged an agreement between Minatom and YeES Rossii that resulted in
a number of positive changes in the nuclear industry, Melamed has not served
with Minatom for very long, which has led some to criticize his qualifications
for the Rosenergoatom position.
[Vladimir Kucherenko and Aleksey Podymov,
"Atomnyye pribyli v poluraspade," Rossiyskaya gazeta, 18 December
1998, pp. 10-11.]{entered 2/23/99 FW}
11/13/98: ADAMOV SAYS FORMATION OF ATOMPROM WILL
SOLVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS In an interview on 13 November 1998, Russian Minister
of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov outlined the development of the nuclear
industry in Russia. The formation of Atomprom--a holding company that will
incorporate the TVEL joint stock
company, Tekhsnabeksport and some other departments of Minatom--will help
to solve certain financial problems. Rosenergoatom,
however, is to remain an integral part of Minatom and will not become a
separate entity.
[Nataliya Aliyeva, "Plokho kogda tebya
uvazhayut tolko za kulaki; khuzhe kogda tebya voobshche ne uvazhayut,"
Vek,
No. 44, 13-19 November 1998.]{entered 2/23/99 FW}
9/1/98: ADAMOV REQUESTS GO-AHEAD FOR CUBAN NUCLEAR
PLANT Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov
has filed a request with the Russian government to complete the Juragua
nuclear power plant in Cuba. The Juragua NPP consists of two Russian
VVER-440 PWR reactor units. The construction of the first unit started
in 1983 and work on the second started in 1985. The construction has been
delayed for six or seven years. Cuba, due to its debts related to
the NPP, will give Russia 51 percent ownership of the plant. Russia
will supply the NPP with fuel, thereby supporting Russian fuel manufacturers.
[Igor Kudrik, "Minatom to Complete
Cuban NPP," Bellona: Nuclear Chronicle from Russia, September-October
1999, p. 23.]{entered 3/22/99 FW}
8/8/98: ADAMOV OUTLINES MINATOM EXPORT PLANS Minatom plans to carry out several long-term military
nuclear waste reprocessing and storage programs in China, Japan, and India,
Minister of Atomic Energy Yevgeniy Adamov told reporters in Sarov on 8
August 1998. By the end of 1998, Minatom plans to complete the draft proposal
for a law entitled On The Liquidation of Consequences of Nuclear Weapons
Development. This program calls for environmentally safe practices. The
program will be managed by Boris Nekipelov, a special assistant to Adamov.
Minatom's export activities involve the construction of nuclear power plants
in China and Iran. India allocated $60 million for project development,
and a construction agreement is expected to be signed at some point. Minatom's
long-term projects include the export of electricity from the Kola Peninsula,
Central European, and Primorye regions, and completion, construction, and
privatization of a nuclear power plant in Cuba.
["Atomnaya energetika na eksport,"
Gorodskoy
Kurer, No.63, 20 August 1998.]{entered 3/18/99 FW}
8/1/98: RUSSIA SIGNS NUCLEAR COOPERATION AGREEMENT
WITH SYRIA Russia and Syria agreed on a bilateral draft agreement
on the peaceful use of nuclear energy when a delegation headed by Ibrahim
Uthman, general director of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, visited
Moscow in August 1998. The draft agreement provides for the construction
of a nuclear research center with a 25MW light-water pool-type reactor.
Atomstroyeksport (the nuclear industry's export construction company) and
NIKIET
(Scientific Research and Design Institute of Energy Technologies) will
take part in the construction.
["Syrian/Russian Cooperation," Nuclear
Engineering International, August 1998, p.4.]{entered 3/18/99 FW}
Page last updated 2 September 2005
Comments or questions? Contact Cristina Chuen at MIIS
CNS: Cristina.ChuenATmiis.edu
Nuclear and Missile Exports
