The dependence of Russia and the West
“The interdependence between Russia and its Western partners remains significant.” – emphasized in the report prepared every year by nuclear energy specialists.
The report noted that following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Some of the five EU countries with Russian-built VVER reactors that use Russian nuclear fuel have begun seeking alternative fuel sources, primarily from the American company Westinghouse Electric.
Rosatom’s key role
Some Western companies, however, are heavily dependent on sales of their reactor parts from Rosatom.
“Rosatom is building all 13 nuclear reactors started in the past five years outside China, and suppliers of parts, such as the French Arabelle (EDF) turbines, have no other foreign customers than Rosatom,” the report says.
Nuclear sanctions will have to wait
A similar situation occurs with instrumentation and control technology, often called the “central nervous system” of a nuclear power plant, which is supplied by the German company Siemens Energy and the French company Framatome.
“The close interdependence between the Russian nuclear industry and its European partners at least partly explains why Europe hesitates to impose sanctions on the nuclear sector.” – written in the report.
As added, attempts to reduce or eliminate dependence on Russia in uranium supplies and its transformation and enrichment “will probably increase costs” – it was noted. (PAP)
