Medvedev suggests wider use of fast-neutron reactors RIA Novosti, PUBLISHED March 25, 2011 Fast-neutron reactors should be wider used to generate electricity worldwide, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday. The future of the nuclear energy industry came into spotlight after the accident at Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, which was seriously damaged by a series of explosions in the days following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. "We are convinced that the safety level of nuclear power plants should be increased to the maximum. That's why Russia, a global leader in reactor engineering, finds the development of the so-called fast nuclear reactors very promising," Medvedev said. The Beloyarsk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia's Urals has operated with a fast-neutron reactor for more than 30 years. Fast-neutron reactors are considered to be more environmentally-friendly as they leave insignificant amounts of spent nuclear fuel and do not require uranium enrichment, the Russian president said. Speaking in his video-blog, Medvedev also urged the international community to lay down single rules for the construction of nuclear power plants in seismically active zones. "Probably, additional requirements and limits are needed to streamline the construction of nuclear power plants in seismically active zones. General international requirements are needed, especially for areas where strong earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis are possible," he said. Russian regulations ban the construction of nuclear power plants in zones where 8.0-magnitude earthquakes are possible. Topics: Fast breeders, Russia Other news: Russia ready to finance Egypt first nuclear plant Russia confirmed its participation in a tender to build Egypt's first nuclear power plant and said it was willing to help finance the project. ARMZ acquires Australian uranium producer in $1.2 bln deal ARMZ will pay eight Australian dollars per share, which represents a 15.5 percent premium on the average market price for 20 trading days. Russia to start building Turkish NPP in 2013 Russia will start building Turkey's first NPP estimated at $20 billion in 2013, Russian ambassador to Ankara Vladimir Ivanovsky said. |
Hero of the day Alexander Chistozvonov: end of the Romantic period Today, the army of managers is earnestly believing that one can take the man responsible for the licensing of alcoholic beverages, and put it on licensing, and even to supervise the nuclear reactor. INTERVIEW
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