In 2005 nuclear energy contributed 137 TWh(e) or 15.8% of total Russian electricity production (comparative figures for OECD member countries are available here). The total installed capacity of the 31 nuclear reactors currently in operation is estimated to be 21 743 MWe. Four more units are currently under construction.
The 2003 energy strategy for the Russian Federation sets as a policy priority the reduction of the use of natural gas for electricity generation and a doubling of nuclear electricity output by 2020. In 2006, the Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) announced a target for nuclear energy to provide 23% of Russian electricity needs by 2020 and 25% by 2030.
To achieve that goal, current plans call for the construction of 40 new nuclear reactors by 2030.
All nuclear power plants in Russia are overseen by the Federal Agency for Atomic Energy (Rosatom) and operated by the state company Rosenergoatom. The Federal Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervisory Service (Rostechnadzor) supervises the safety of nuclear power plant operation in Russia, reporting directly to the government. In January 2007 the Russian parliament passed a new law to create Atomprom, a holding company for the entire Russian civil nuclear industry. This will include Rosenergoatom, the nuclear fuel producer and supplier TVEL, the uranium trader Techsnabexport (Tenex) and the nuclear facilities constructor Atomstroyexport.
The NEA Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy has identified the Russian Federation for a number of years in its outreach strategy, notably because of the country's sizable nuclear power programme and the mutual benefit that would ensue from such co-operation. The Russian Federation has already participated in a selection of NEA activities such as:
Additionally, a Declaration of Principles regarding a Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme in the Russian Federation (MNEPR) was adopted by a significant number of OECD member countries and the Russian Federation at the Barents Euro-Arctic Council meeting on 4-5 March 1999 in Bodø (Norway). The NEA Secretariat provided legal support throughout the negotiation of both the Framework Agreement and the Protocol. The OECD Secretary-General and the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been designated as co-depositories for both instruments.
A joint declaration on co-operation was signed on 21 March 2007. The joint declaration has multiple goals: facilitating scientific research in the nuclear field; assessing innovative technology development; advancing national and international legal frameworks; and performing economic analyses essential for the safe, ecological and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Statement by Luis E. Echávarri on the signing of the Declaration
OECD information by country: Russia
International Energy Agency statistics: Russia
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) country profile: Russia
Nuclear Energy Today
Nuclear Energy Today aims to provide, in a simple, concise and clear style, authoritative and factual information on the main aspects of nuclear energy in today's world. Written for a broad readership, primarily policy makers, as well as interested members of the public, academics, journalists and industry leaders, this publication will contribute to a better understanding of this source of energy.
Nuclear Legislation in Central and Eastern Europe and the NIS: 2003 0verview [FR]
Russian Minatom Nuclear Safety Research Strategic Plan – An International Review (1999)
Safety Research Needs for Russian-designed Reactors (1998)
Last updated: 21 March 2007
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