Belarusian nuclear station's equipment maker to invest $60m in itself

The Volgodonsk-based branch Atommash of ZAO AEM Technologies, which makes reactor equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant, intends to invest about $60 million in its development by 2017, representatives of the company told BelTA.

According to the source, key projects to ensure the stable operation of the manufacturing site were completed in 2013. In particular, in accordance with the program for modernizing the Volgodonsk-based enterprise modern welding equipment was bought as well as a system for eddy current testing of heat exchange pipes and bridges of steam generator collectors, a complex of equipment for local heat processing.

Asked about near future plans of the company, Vitaly Shishov, Director for Operations of the Volgodonsk-based branch Atommash of ZAO AEM Technologies, told media that apart from making equipment for the nuclear industry and the oil and gas industry the company intends to develop thermal power. At present its share in the total output is about 10%. “We have already signed contracts for the delivery of equipment to Kazakhstan. Together with Belarus we are considering the implementation of a project to modernize a state district power plant. We can make a high-pressure barrel for it,” said the executive.

Vitaly Shishov stressed that Atommash is interested in supplying equipment used by the conventional energy industry to Belarus. “We have the common customs space. The time needed for customs procedures is greatly reduced during the implementation of projects. Additional time for documents and declarations is not required,” he added.

Atommash (part of Rosatom’s mechanical engineering division named Atomenergomash) started working in 1986. It was built to make complete sets of reactor equipment for nuclear power plants. The enterprise was designed to make eight sets per annum. At present the company is making equipment for the Belarusian nuclear power plant, which is being built in Ostrovets, including a molten core catcher.