Head of Rosatom in Kyrgyzstan: Nuclear power plants are green energy, and this is recognized even in the EU
A representative international discussion took place in Bishkek on the topic “Green energy. Optimization of energy balance".As part of this event, General Director of Rosatom Kyrgyzstan Dmitry Konstantinov answered questions from KNIA Kabar. Since the topic of using peaceful nuclear energy in the republic is very sensitive, we discussed issues not only related to the prospects for energy development, but also touched upon a number of important environmental aspects.
— In Kyrgyzstan, the question of the possible development of nuclear energy was raised at different times. Now we are experiencing a power shortage, in addition, due to climate change in our region, and prolonged droughts and low water levels are predicted, production at hydroelectric power plants may also be limited. Are nuclear power plants capable of maintaining the water-energy balance and providing sufficient energy so that the region has enough water for agricultural needs?
— A nuclear power plant (NPP) is a sustainable source of energy production that does not depend on weather, wind, sun or river flow. That is, regardless of external factors, the station will constantly produce the power that provided for by the project.
That is, if you need to use water sparingly at large hydroelectric power plants or reduce the volume of coal combustion at thermal power plants, then these goals are achievable. Everything depends on the task that is formulated and set by the state. Our specialists will be able to find a technical solution given the initial data.
— Which nuclear power plants are acceptable for our region? Kyrgyzstan is located in a seismically active zone, so security issues come first for us. Which scheme or setup suits us best?
— In Turkey, Rosatom is building a large Akkuyu nuclear power plant. Recently there was an earthquake in that region, and there was not a single report of any problems or threats at a large nuclear power plant. That is, safety is the main priority in Rosatom’s activities. This is an example that you need to pay attention to.
We signed a memorandum with Kyrgyzstan on the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant (LPNP) of six 55 MW units. The safety systems of low-power nuclear power plants with reactors of the RITM series are based on Rosatom's many years of experience in accident-free operation of high-power reactors for land-based nuclear power plants with VVER-type reactors and small reactors for the icebreaker fleet.
It is worth noting that the high degree of safety of nuclear power plants is ensured by many factors. The main ones are the principle of self-protection of the reactor installation and the presence of several safety barriers. It is also important to use active (that is, requiring human intervention and the presence of an energy source) and passive (not requiring operator intervention and an energy source) safety systems at modern Russian nuclear power units. In addition, all plants have a safety culture at all stages of the life cycle, from site selection to decommissioning.
Nuclear power plants are resistant to a variety of external influences, for example, extreme temperatures, tornadoes, wind loads, and earthquakes.
The RITM series reactors are designed to operate stably under high shock loads that accompany the operation of an icebreaker. These shock loads are many times higher than those that are possible even during very strong earthquakes - magnitude 8 and above. When designing and constructing a nuclear power plant, the seismic situation of the site and its other features are, of course, taken into account, which allows for safe and efficient operation of the station for at least 60 years.
— What can you say about the environmental friendliness of such reactors, their service life, and the disposal of spent nuclear fuel? Is this whole cycle safe? For Kyrgyzstan, this is a very important issue, in view of the fact that the environmental aspect is raised not only by so-called “activists”, but is also raised in discussions at the political level. Our deputies are discussing this topic, foreign experts are speaking, but what do you say?
— Modern technologies make it possible to ensure the safety of nuclear energy for the environment and people living in close proximity to the nuclear power plant. The nuclear power plant will not threaten the safety of crops and the aquatic environment. During normal operation, emissions do not exceed the natural background and do not affect the environment near the plant. In addition, the environmental situation around the nuclear power plant is much better than in other regions, since this is constantly monitored by specialists from various organizations.
As I already said, the service life of small reactors is 60 years, refuelling is required on average once every six years. And this process is also proven, absolutely safe and does not cause any harm to the environment. Our approach is based on the principles of a balanced nuclear fuel cycle, which involves reprocessing spent fuel. Thus, there is no need to build a deep disposal facility for radioactive waste. Today this is a unique offer.
Another undeniable advantage of nuclear energy is the absence of carbon dioxide emissions and its contribution to the decarbonization of the economy, which becomes important in view of the desire of many countries to fulfill their commitments to reduce emissions. Thus, a nuclear power plant with RITM-200 reactors will reduce emissions by 240 thousand tons of carbon dioxide per year if the same amount of electricity was generated by thermal power plants using coal or gas.
Nuclear power plants are green energy, and this is recognized even in the EU.
— In what time frame can a small nuclear power plant be launched, from the moment the agreement is signed?
— All stages, from design and preparation to commissioning and commissioning, require 5-6 years.
— What else is Rosatom doing in Kyrgyzstan? We know that there are projects related to renewable energy sources and nuclear medicine.
— Together with the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan, we are actively working to implement projects in the field of wind energy. Rosatom has already begun work on the construction of a wind farm with a capacity of 100 MW in the Issyk-Kul region, and we also plan to build a large wind farm for the population of Kyrgyzstan in the Batken region.
In the hydropower sector, the scale of work is even more serious. Rosatom is involved in the implementation of many small hydropower projects in Kyrgyzstan. In the summer of 2024, we plan to complete the construction of the Leilek small hydroelectric power plant in the Batken region, in the active phase we are working on the development of design estimates for the Jerooy hydroelectric power plant project in the Talas region, and for a number of projects that will be put into operation this year , Rosatom developed a feasibility study and design documentation.
On June 8, 2023, a meeting was held between the General Director of the Rosatom State Corporation Alexey Likhachev and the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Zhaparov, during which a memorandum was signed on the joint development of nuclear medicine in Kyrgyzstan. Already in September 2023, Rosatom, together with the National Center of Oncology and Hematology, opened the first SPECT department in the country, which will provide diagnostics to 200-300 thousand people. And this is just the beginning! Together with the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, we are working to create a medical center on the basis of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology, where they will treat cancer using advanced technologies.