At the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Rosatom signed several agreements and discussed the development of shipping on the Northern Sea Route with foreign partners. An agreement on nuclear energy uses was also signed at the government level. These deals demonstrate that the Russian nuclear corporation is strengthening its position in the international market.
Rosatom signed documents for the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. Read more on it in the News section of this issue.
The governments of Russia and Burkina Faso concluded a cooperation agreement on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The document was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev on behalf of Russia and Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries Yacouba Zabré Gouba on behalf of Burkina Faso. This agreement builds on the roadmap signed by both countries in March 2024 at the ATOMEXPO forum.
The agreement establishes a legal framework for comprehensive cooperation between the two nations in nuclear energy and technology. The key areas covered include assisting Burkina Faso in developing and improving its nuclear infrastructure in line with international standards, regulating nuclear and radiation safety, and producing radioisotopes for the needs of industry, medicine and agriculture. The document also provides for joint projects in irradiation technology and nuclear medicine, as well as training and professional development of qualified workforce for Burkina Faso’s nuclear industry.
Rosatom and the Agency for the Development of Nuclear Energy under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed an agreement to study the feasibility of building a large nuclear power plant in the country. The agreement follows through on the commitments made during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Uzbekistan last May.
The document outlines the key terms for the potential construction of two power units with VVER-1000 reactors, with the possibility of expanding the plant to four units. The project is based on Russian technology that has already proven its efficiency and safety both in Russia and abroad, particularly in China (the Tianwan NPP) and India (the Kudankulam NPP). Collectively, VVER-1000 reactors have been operating for over 420 reactor-years worldwide.
At the Russia-Indonesia business dialogue during the SPIEF, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Solutions, Andrey Nikipеlov, spoke about opportunities for cooperation. He noted that Indonesia’s ambitious plans to strengthen its economy could not be achieved without simultaneous development of its energy sector. New generating capacity must be environmentally friendly as this is embedded in the country’s commitments to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. “Nuclear energy offers a solution where one does not have to choose between sustainable power and environmental concerns. Large and small-scale nuclear generation can provide reliable ‘green’ energy for both people and the country’s industry, and Rosatom has unparalleled expertise in building and operating such generation facilities,” Andrey Nikipеlov said.
For Indonesia, the world’s largest island nation, floating power units could serve as a convenient starting point for adopting nuclear power technology. However, as Andrey Nikipеlov emphasized, small nuclear plants are only the beginning. Rosatom has developed and presented Indonesian leadership with a comprehensive nuclear energy development plan involving both small and large-scale nuclear generation facilities and stands ready to provide full support in achieving the country’s nuclear industry ambitions.
Development of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor was discussed at the sessions titled the Northern Sea Route: Economy of Discoveries and New Routes of International Trade. This corridor includes not only the Northern Sea Route (NSR) but also onshore infrastructure, such as railways and inland waterways. The routes from Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg to Vladivostok form the backbone of maritime logistics between Russia’s northwestern and eastern ports. The Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor will ensure the country’s transport sovereignty and reliable logistics for foreign partners, said Vladimir Panov, Rosatom Special Representative for Arctic Development and Deputy Chairman of the Government Commission for Arctic Development. He noted growing interest in the Arctic from foreign partners, with the number of permits issued for the NSR navigation this year already up 10% compared to last year, reaching 280.
Pyotr Ivanov, CEO of Rosatom Logistics, highlighted the importance of developing various routes, including the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, especially in cooperation with logistics partners and friendly nations. This will help Russian companies secure their niche in the global transport market. “We should not focus on domestic interests alone— we must think globally,” Pyotr Ivanov said.
Photo by: The newspaper “Strana Rosatom”
