Economic and technical analysis of the Russian nuclear power sector

Abstract

Recently, the Joint Electric Power Alternative Study for Russia (JEPAS), a joint US/Russian effort, was completed. This study included an exhaustive economic and technical study of the Russian power infrastructure confirming that nuclear power is one of the major sources of electricity in the Russian Federation. In 1993, the installed nuclear capacity is 21.2 GW representing 10.6% of the total installed capacity of the Russian power sector. The study demonstrated that the importance of nuclear power varies significantly from region to region. In the regions with the most highly developed nuclear power infrastructures, the Northwest, Central and Mid-Volga power pools, nuclear power provided 47.8%, 23.9%, and 16.4% of the generated power in 1993, respectively. Natural resources and supporting infrastructure exist for supplying fuels to these plants in a cost effective manner for the foreseeable future. It must be noted however, that 8 GW or approximately 38% of the installed nuclear capacity will reach the end of its service life by the year 2010. The JEPAS identified the strategic directions for the power sector's development, investment requirements and opportunities for energy efficiency over the next 15 years. The results presented in the JEPAS confirm the importance of the continued use and development of nuclear power in Russia's electric power sector.