Belarus, Russia working on project to build mobile nuclear reactor

SOCHI, 26 March (BelTA) – Belarus and Russia are working on a project to build a mobile nuclear reactor, BelTA learned from Academic Secretary of the Department of Physical and Technical Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Sergei Shcherbakov on the sidelines of the international forum Atomexpo in Sochi.

Sergei Shcherbakov said: “The Belarusian-Russian mega science project, which we’ve been discussing for a while and which is important for us, is the construction of a mobile nuclear reactor. Belarus made some headway back in the Soviet times. However, the project was shut down. Nevertheless, the reactor was created back then and it generated energy. We have different technological platforms and different capabilities these days. And we are working with Rosatom to create a mobile nuclear reactor by leveraging new technologies. It is very important for Russia with its remote regions. Belarus can share unique experience and competences in researching various kinds of nuclear reactors. To be exact, the Joint Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research – Sosny of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus can share them. In addition to conventional solutions, which are universally accepted now, our scientists can work out various combinations of the heat transfer agent and fuel cells of various shapes. These competences are unique. They know how to work with unconventional reactors. Apart from that, they can do in-depth physical and mathematical modeling of these processes.”

Belarusian scientists also hope they will be able to make headway into creating a research reactor in the country.

The international forum Atomexpo is a major exhibition and business venue where the current state of the atomic industry is discussed and trends of the industry’s future development take shape. Taking part in the forum are heads of key companies of the world atomic industry, government agencies, international and public organizations, leading experts. A Belarusian delegation is also taking part in the forum.