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Myanmar and Russia push ahead with nuclear energy cooperation

29 June 2023

The first meeting of the joint coordinating committee, established as part of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Russia and Myanmar, discussed the construction of a nuclear power plant and the development of nuclear infrastructure in the country.

The bilateral links include a science fair (Image: Rosatom)

The meeting, headed by Myanmar's Deputy Science and Technology Minister Aung Zeya and Rosatom Deputy Director General Nikolai Spassky, also covered the "regulatory framework for bilateral cooperation" as well as training of personnel and issues related to public opinion on nuclear energy. Rosatom said that "following the meeting, a protocol was signed".

Spassky also held meetings with Minister of Science and Technology Myo Thein Kyaw and Minister of Electrification Taung Khan, at which, according to Rosatom, "priority issues of cooperation were discussed in detail, with an emphasis on the construction of Russian-designed power units and the arrangement of nuclear infrastructure in Myanmar in accordance with the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency".

According to the Myanmar government's Ministry of Information, "during the meeting, the pre-feasibility study report of the thermal power plant project conducted under the memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry of Electric Power and Rosatom in November 2022 was presented by Rosatom to the Ministry of Electric Power. In addition, a memorandum of understanding in the field of Nuclear Infrastructure Assessment and Enhancement was signed between the Ministry of Science and Technology and Rosatom".

Agreements on establishing cooperation between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear technology were signed in February between Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Myanmar's Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlain. In addition to the meetings, various other bilateral cooperation events took place, including the Yangon Science Festival which they coorganised. Rosatom said both sides backed cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and "expert consultations" would continue "in accordance with the agreed schedules" with a "desire to quickly translate this joint work into practice".

Researched and written by World Nuclear News