russia Unveils “Revolutionary” Closed Fuel Cycle Nuclear System, Pledges Global Collaboration
SOCHI, Russia – President Vladimir Putin today announced Russia is poised to launch the world’s first nuclear power system utilizing a closed fuel cycle, a development he hailed as a “revolutionary” step towards sustainable nuclear energy and a solution to long-term uranium resource concerns.speaking at the Global Nuclear Forum in Sochi, putin detailed plans for the system, slated to begin operation in the Tomsk Region by 2030, which aims to reuse approximately 95% of spent nuclear fuel.
The proclamation comes as global attention focuses on the future of nuclear power, with the Institution for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimating current uranium resources could be depleted as early as the 2060s – potentially by 2090 under optimistic projections, totaling approximately eight million tonnes. Putin highlighted that a significant portion of remaining uranium reserves – roughly a quarter – are found as by-products of other mining operations, adding urgency to the need for innovative solutions.
“This mechanism will, in the long term, make it possible to virtually eliminate the problem of radioactive waste accumulation and, which is also extremely important, essentially remove the issue of uranium supply,” Putin stated.
The advanced materials crucial to this closed fuel cycle will undergo testing at the newly established International Research Center in the Ulyanovsk Region, with Russia extending an invitation to international scientists for collaborative research. This initiative builds on the recently formed BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform,established on Russia’s initiative at the end of last year,to foster cooperation on nuclear projects.
Putin also underscored the past significance of Russia’s nuclear program, noting that the Soviet Union’s initial decision to develop nuclear energy was made on September 28, 1942 – during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. He used the occasion to congratulate Russian nuclear industry workers, scientists, and specialists from former Soviet republics on the 80th anniversary of the national nuclear industry and Nuclear Industry Worker Day.
“These traditions must certainly be continued,” Putin said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the Soviet Ministry of Medium Machine-Building. he concluded by expressing his hope for continued success in the field, “for the benefit of the people of our countries and, without exaggeration, all humanity.”