Sri Lanka to consider Russian proposal for offshore nuclear power plants

The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board said that Russia has put forward a proposal to build a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka, and has also put forward an agreement for this purpose.

Professor S.R.D. Rosa, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, said this is a government to government program.

Cabinet approval was given to consider nuclear energy as an alternative to meet Sri Lanka’s future energy needs. In accordance with that decision, a steering committee and 09 action committees have been appointed to study matters related to electricity generation using nuclear energy.

The proposal put forward by Russia for a nuclear power plant in Sri Lanka come in such a backdrop.

It is yet to be decided if this nuclear power plant will be constructed on land, or if it would a barge mounter power plant.

According to a proposal put forward by Russia, a team of Russia experts will operate the power plant, and would also train Sri Lankans within three years in operating the nuclear power plant.

Rosatom, also known as Rosatom State Nuclear Energy, has put forward the proposal and it is a Russian state corporation.

Professor S.R.D. Rosa, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board, said it is possible that Sri Lanka would opt for three small offshore nuclear power plants that would each generate 100 MW.

He added that Sri Lanka is currently studying the agreement Russia has with Bangladesh in order to determine the investments, grace period and repayment period.