Is Sri Lanka Considering Collaboration for Russian Nuclear Power Plant?

The Sri Lankan government has announced plans to build nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the country, to bolster economic recovery. In preparation for this transformation, the government plans to invite expressions of interest (EOI) for establishing NPPs in Sri Lanka.

This decision followed a meeting with officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Minister Wijesekera emphasized the importance of structuring a robust legal framework for nuclear energy, focusing on its safe use, waste disposal, and public awareness.

As Sri Lanka goes forward with its plan to construct the nuclear plants, Sputnik reached out to an expert to discuss the prospect of Sri Lankan cooperation with foreign countries in building nuclear power plants in the country.

Sergey Pikin, director of the Energy Development Fund, a Moscow-based think tank, told Sputnik that Russia has emerged as one of the favourite options for Sri Lanka, as it had successfully built nuclear power plants in other South Asian countries, like India, Bangladesh.

He added that Russia has occupied a leading position in the region to build a nuclear plant.

"It is required that Sri Lanka to sign the appropriate construction contract. Russia can support them as it is also a supplier of technology, help them (Sri Lanka) while constructing the station, and with other requirements", said Pikin.

He also stressed that Russia could also help them with financing.

"I think the choice of Sri Lanka is obvious," Pikin said, adding that "Russia is a global leader, and Colombo should move forward with Russia".

Currently, the island nation is importing oil, coal, and hydrocarbon; however, to reduce economic stress, the country aims to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

In July, media reports quoted Wijesekera saying that Sri Lanka is assessing nuclear power plant offers from Russia and other countries.

"The government intends to include the safe use of nuclear energy as a part of the long-term generation plans", Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) after meeting officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency in Colombo.

In October, Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa, and Russian state nuclear company Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

nuclear power stations under russian projects

Sri Lanka Eyes Nuclear Energy

In a groundbreaking move, the Sri Lankan government is steering towards nuclear energy as part of its long-term electricity generation plans.

"Once approved by Parliament, the new Electricity Act will pave the way for a major overhaul of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). It aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability, and will introduce private sector participation in generation, transmission, and distribution", minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on X.

Sri Lanka's electricity production in 2020, as reported by the media, was heavily reliant on fossil fuel (10 TWh) and hydro power (5 TWh), with minor contributions from wind and solar. The CEB's long-term energy plans include the incorporation of nuclear power from 2030.

In 2022, Sri Lanka's readiness for a nuclear power programme was assessed by a team of IAEA experts through an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review. This review was part of the IAEA's Milestones Approach, designed for countries adopting nuclear energy.

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Is Sri Lanka Considering Russian Collaboration on Nuclear Power Plant?

Sri Lanka Eyes Nuclear Energy