French and Russian nuclear utilities extend collaboration

French utility EDF has signed an agreement to extend its cooperation with Rosenergoatom, the operator of Russia's civil nuclear power plants. The companies will cooperate in reactor operations, decommissioning and waste management.

French utility EDF has signed an agreement to extend its cooperation with Rosenergoatom, the operator of Russia's civil nuclear power plants. The companies will cooperate in reactor operations, decommissioning and waste management.  

The signing of the agreement (Image: Rosatom)

The agreement was signed by EDF's executive director for nuclear power plant operations, Dominique Miniere, and Rosenergoatom's first deputy general director, Alexander Shutikov, in Saint Petersburg on 21 April during a meeting of the board of governors of the World Association of Nuclear Operators.

Through the agreement, EDF and Rosenergoatom intend to develop cooperation in areas such as the maintenance, modernization and operating period extension of nuclear power plants, as well as decommissioning and radioactive waste management. They will also conduct research and development into operating issues.

Shutikov said, "The signing of this agreement is a continuation of more than 20 years of successful and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two largest energy companies in the nuclear field, who see great potential in terms of use of the experience gained during the implementation of joint projects." He said the aim of the cooperation is to ensure the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plant operation.

"Our collaboration with Rosenergoatom - which began in 1994 - has blossomed wonderfully," said Miniere. "On certain issues of nuclear safety, we have moved to the operation, maintenance and repair, and the construction of new units."

Rosenergoatom is a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the country's ten nuclear power plants. EDF operates France's 58 nuclear power reactors.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News