A nuclear renaissance in Russia: TWENTY YEARS AFTER CHERNOBYL, THE NATION EMBRACES NUCLEAR POWER IN A BID TO RENEW ITS POWER SYSTEM

摘要

Twenty years after Chernobyl, Russia is making nuclear power the cornerstone of its ambitious new program to revamp its power generation system. The program could help the nation overcome its energy deficit (see p. 30, Jan./Feb. 2006) and also fortify its position in the world nuclear market. However, Russian nuclear technology has stagnated since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and production capacities have deteriorated. The government plans to make massive investments to develop-nuclear technology and renew production facilities. But even with state financing, the Russian power machinery industry may not be able to provide the necessary equipment volumes and technological quality. A former leader in nuclear power, the nation may well need to establish strategic partnerships with international turbine manufacturers.