A delegation of Rosenergoatom Floating Nuclear Plants Directorate officials will have talks with the Cape Verde Energy Ministry regarding construction of a floating power plant in the territory of the republic, the head of the directorate Sergey Krysov told reporters on June 4.

As a REGNUM correspondent informs, Krysov explained that the government of Cape Verde expressed concern because of increasing deficit of energy facilities and fresh water in the country. He reminded that lack of energy and fresh water hampers development of tourism in the Cape Verde islands, while the territory has a great tourist potential.

Meanwhile, the Russian side does not consider the question of selling an NPP to Cape Verde: "We are selling not an NPP, but the product, energy or fresh water," Krysov said. In case an agreement is reached to construct a floating nuclear plant, Russian specialists will be in charge for construction, exploitation and decommissioning of the plant. In case, the decision is made to sign the contract, two more years will be needed for putting legislation of Cape Verde in accordance with IAEA requirements.

According to Krysov, 20 countries have announced their interest in the floating nuclear plant project, however, certain agreements on construction of the plants abroad will be made after the pilot bloc of the floating nuclear plant is commissioned in Severodvinsk, Russia. The plant is planned to be commissioned in 2010.

SOURCE: REGNUM

DATE: June 04, 2007

Topics: Russia, Floating NPP, Africa