Akademik Lomonoso, the world's first floating nuclear station, will be operational in the Russian port city of Pevek by year-end. The floating N-plant could be a boon for far-flung areas in India which are still without power

NEW DELHI: Russian atomic energy corporation ROSATOM has expressed interest in collaborating with Indian companies not only for the construction of large nuclear power plants but also for joint development of medium- and small-sized nuclear power reactors, including floating N-reactors.

Nikita Mazein, vice-president of ROSATOM Overseas (a division of ROSATOM), said, "ROSATOM is developing small and medium-sized solutions based on light water reactor unit of Russian design." There is a need to explore the possibility of such projects in the coastal areas of South Asia as this nuclear energy segment provides an opportunity for boosting Indo-Russia nuclear cooperation, he said. A ROSATOM spokesperson told TOI that Mazine pitched for the joint collaboration on small nuclear reactors during the recent 11th Nuclear Energy Conclave here.

ROSATOM, the main equipment supplier for Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam N-plant, said Russia and India have an action plan for the construction of a second nuclear plant besides the TN plant as the two countries are planning to set up six nuclear reactor units at the new site. "We are discussing with our partners in India how to execute the localisation agreement signed three years ago. We are talking with stakeholders about developing new power plant projects," he added.

He said India's needs to reduce cost and recurring costs for nuclear power to make it more competitive. He said that Indo-Russian cooperation could be expanded to other sectors like health and agriculture.