[cdn-nucl-l] BNFL official thinks Russia will expand its presence on uranium market

["Radik Ixanov" <ixanov@sympatico.ca>]

May 16, 2003.
Nuclear. Ru (http://www.nuclear.ru/eng/news) informed:


The U.K. does not have immediate plans for construction of new nuclear
units. The country now debates a role of nuclear in reduction of greenhouse
gases releases. Michael Simpson, the BNFL Head of Business Development
Projects who participated in the World Nuclear Association’s mid-session
ended in Moscow this week, said this to Nuclear.Ru. «I think that we will be
able to demonstrate during these debates that the real practical way of
achieving these targets would be the introduction of nuclear power as a most
competitive energy source necessary to achieve the high targets for
reduction of greenhouse gases releases”, he said.

Commenting on the recent long-term energy strategy which had been recently
approved in the U.K. which puts the emphasis on carbon dioxide release
reduction, energy conservation and renewables, Mr. Simpson noted that the
prospects of nuclear power development, in particular, a decision of
construction of new capacities are time-constrained according to the
strategy. «The targets set will focus the debates on reduction of carbon
dioxide emissions. It is a very short time to make the decision”, he said.

Mr. Simpson also said that during WNA session he participated the meeting of
nuclear fuel cycle working group. «I was interested by a survey of uranium
market, investigation by RWE Nukem, and the prospects of the enrichment
market. I think it was interesting to compare the presentation from the
Russian prospectives with analyses done by other about the Russian
 situation”, Mr. Simpson said. According to him, the working group concluded
that in future the uranium demand would grow. “Considering closure of the
diffusion facilities, this demand has to be met somehow”, he said.

BNFL official also said that, in his opinion, the increased uranium demand
might be meet by Russia. “I got a strong impression today about the very
important place of Russia on the future market”, Mr. Simpson said. Answering
the question on how far that future is he said that: “I think in Russia you
do think strategically making plans for 20-30 years ahead. One may note it
quite immediately. I so the figures this afternoon where there is 40% of the
world’s enrichment is being provided from Russian sources. And this would
steadily grow.”