Strategy for the Development of Nuclear Energy in Russia and Environmental Matters

Abstract

Issues concerning the completeness and integrity of a strategy for the development of nuclear energy in Russia to 2050 and the prospects for the period to 2100 are examined. It is shown that questions concerning the final stages of the lifecycle and environmental aspects associated with the use of nuclear technologies are not duly reflected in the strategy. The authors believe that the strategy cannot be implemented without purposeful work on conclusive validation of the role of nuclear energy in the decarbonization of the economy and the formulation and development of theses concerning its environmental safety. To implement the strategy, it is necessary to perform a careful analysis of issues concerning the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes and harmonization of the stages of development of nuclear energy and formation of a unified state system for radwaste management. It is proposed that a fundamental analysis of the infrastructure needs for Russia’s two-component nuclear energy be performed, an appropriate supplementary public document be developed, and a document with the provisional title “Environmental rationale for the development of nuclear energy in Russia and humanitarian aspects” be prepared.