Rosatom Inks Deals, Edges Closer to UK Nuclear Reactor Market

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RIA Novosti, PUBLISHED September 09, 2013

Russia’s nuclear giant Rosatom on Thursday signed two deals that could help smooth its path to entering the UK’s market for new-build nuclear power plants.

Rosatom signed a memorandum on collaboration in nuclear energy with Britain’s Department for Energy and Climate Change – part of ongoing energy sector dialogue between the two states.

It also inked a deal with Rolls-Royce and Finnish utility Fortum to investigate the potential for building and operating nuclear power plants with Russian-designed reactors in the UK.

The first step will be to assess opportunities for licensing an NPP construction site and obtaining a construction permit for new nuclear power plants, Rosatom’s press release said.

Kiriyenko said in June that Rosatom and British companies are planning to develop a road map for Rosatom's participation in the UK's nuclear program within several months.

He noted the difficulties associated with a Russian company working in the nuclear sector on UK soil as ranging from the “licensing process” to “public acceptance” and “the certification of Russian technology” in the UK.

Rosatom brings together about 250 enterprises within Russia employing over 300,000 people, and through its numerous subsidiaries is a leading company on the global nuclear market.

Russia is not the only player eyeing the UK nuclear field – China has also expressed an interest in new-build reactors in the country, and is currently in talks with France’s EDF about involvement in one of the new-build projects currently on the drawing board.

Topics: Rosatom, Europe, Great Britain

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