Dmitry Medvedev outlined the key conditions for effective development of Russia’s nuclear energy sector at a meeting of the Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia’s Economy held in Sarov.
The most immediate objective is to use modern industrial and science-intensive technology over the next two or three years to substantially optimise pressurised water nuclear reactors’ operating characteristics.
The medium term objective is to create the new technology base for producing nuclear energy using a closed fuel cycle based on breeder reactors.
In the long term, the goal will be to develop and apply controlled thermonuclear fusion as the foundation for the energy of the future.
In case these goals are achieved, Russia will maintain its place as a leader in the global nuclear energy sector.
The meeting in Sarov was the Commission’s second meeting since it was set up. Other subjects on the agenda included the outlook for developing supercomputers and software in Russia. The Commission’s upcoming meetings will examine the advancement of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, development of space technology, and energy efficiency improvement.
At the Commission’s first meeting on June 18, 2009, the President listed five priority areas for its work: energy efficiency and energy saving (including the development of new types of fuel); nuclear technology; space technology, above all telecommunications related (GLONASS and its ground infrastructure); medical technology; and strategic information technology including the development of supercomputers and software.