Nuclear technology center in Bolivia hailed as Rosatom’s largest project in Latin America

09.08.2016

Atomstroyexport (Rosatom’s engineering division) and the state institution Agency of Bolivia for Nuclear Energy (ABEN) signed a contract in Moscow on preliminary engineering surveys for the project to build a nuclear research and technology center in Bolivia, BelTA learned from the press service of the Rusatom International Network company. Apart from that, as part of the project to build the nuclear research and technology center Rusatom Service (Rosatom’s service integrator) and ABEN signed a contract on evaluating the state of Bolivia’s nuclear infrastructure. Kirill Komarov, Deputy Director General for Development and International Business of Rosatom, stated that the signed contracts signify an important stage of the start of practical work to begin building the center. As a responsible vendor Rosatom pays close attention to the presence of conditions necessary for operating and developing nuclear installations in partnering countries. Rosatom is ready to help Bolivian colleagues form components of Bolivia’s nuclear infrastructure, noted Kirill Komarov. In his words, in the near future the sides intend to agree and sign the general contract for building the nuclear research and technology center in Bolivia and a contract on providing a set of services for the center’s lifecycle.

Leonid Gusev, an expert of the analysis center of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations under the aegis of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the establishment of the nuclear research and technology center in Bolivia is Rosatom’s largest project in Latin America to date. It will be the first Russian research reactor on the continent as part of a scientific center. The project will signify Rosatom’s return to the high-technology market of research reactor construction where Russia used to be in the lead.

It is remarkable that Rosatom dares to start with a project that requires cutting-edge technologies in this sphere. Bolivia has chosen a site in El Alto as high as 4,100 meters above the sea level. It will be the world’s highest site where nuclear installations operate so Russia’s return to the market of research reactors will be combined with very ambitious tasks.

The center will allow Bolivia to use nuclear technologies to develop science, education, and healthcare. Every year the center will be able to treat over 1,000 Bolivians and other Latin America residents for oncological diseases alone. At least 50 highly qualified specialists will be able to work, train, and get on-the-job training in the center.

It is also important for Russia that the project will allow Rosatom to earn hard cash since Bolivia will fully finance the construction of the facility.

Tags: cooperation , NPP , nuclear industry , Russia

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