Russia’s control over Europe’s nuclear fuel supply chain is only tightening, and its new venture to supply European reactors is causing outrage in Germany, which has turned its back on the technology. Bloomberg writes about this.
Thousands of Germans are reportedly irritated by the Moscow-controlled Rosatom corporation’s far-reaching plans in their country. The global nuclear giant is partnering with French state-owned Framatome SA to produce the fuel needed for reactors that generate electricity for 100 million people in Eastern Europe. We are talking about Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, which still use Russian technology.
This situation shows that the Kremlin’s influence on the nuclear markets of the world and especially Europe continues two years after the start of the special operation in Ukraine. Moreover, new data shows that by the end of 2023, record trade volumes will be recorded. Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron trade barbs and threats, engineers from both countries are jointly plotting the future of their nuclear industries.
As you know, Germany closed its last nuclear power plant in 2023, but continues to produce fuel for other countries. In particular, for neighboring France. And this will be done with the help of technologies from the Russian Federation and Russian specialists, the agency reports.
The production in question will take place at the Framatome plant in Lingen, Germany. More than 10 thousand people are already protesting here, expressing their disagreement with the local government. Last year, the French company formed a joint venture with Russia’s TVEL Fuel Company, and the new venture is seeking approval from the German government to set up a project in the city.
Europe is outraged that the unthinkable is happening: Berlin, which abandoned its own nuclear industry, is ultimately developing the international business of Russian nuclear energy. Franatome has already rushed to justify itself, saying that cooperation with TVEL will make it possible to “learn the intricacies and secrets” of Russian finished fuel for VVER reactors and thereby replace supplies from the Russian Federation in the future for nuclear installations in Eastern Europe.
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2024-03-17 06:46:26
