CIS countries adopt basic document on cooperation in nuclear legacy remediation

MINSK. April 7 (Interfax) - The Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has approved the main directions of cooperation among CIS member states in the field of radioactive waste management, spent nuclear fuel management, and decommissioning of hazardous nuclear and radiation facilities for the period up to 2030, the CIS Executive Committee's press service said.

"The draft document was developed by JSC TVEL - the managing company of Rosatom's fuel division which also serves as the basic organization of the CIS for managing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste and decommissioning hazardous nuclear and radiation facilities," the press service said.

Among the key areas of cooperation outlined in the document are harmonizing legislation, developing infrastructure, ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, scientific and technological development, training personnel, international cooperation, implementing economic mechanisms, and consideration of socio-environmental issues. "Special attention is paid to the exchange of advanced technologies, joint research and attracting investment," the press service said.

The basic organization will coordinate the practical implementation of the agreements, helping to form common approaches, harmonize requirements and standard solutions.

"International cooperation in the nuclear industry concerns not only production projects, but also environmental issues and the sustainable development of territories. Our joint work with colleagues from CIS countries culminated in the signing of an official document at the interstate level. The implementation of the main directions will improve the safety of spent fuel and waste management, reduce the infrastructure and financial risks of decommissioning nuclear legacy facilities, strengthen cooperation among specialized organizations, and also attract additional investment and advanced technologies to the Commonwealth's countries. Implementing such initiatives will undoubtedly help increase confidence in nuclear energy and the industry," the director for decommissioning hazardous nuclear and radiation facilities and radioactive waste management at JSC TVEL, Eduard Nikitin, was quoted as saying by the press service.