World forecast for nuclear plant construction back to pre-Fukushima level – Rosatom

ST. PETERSBURG. Oct 22 (Interfax) – The overall forecast for construction of nuclear power plants in the world in the period to 2030 has returned to the “pre-Fukushima” level, the head of state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Sergei Kiriyenko said Tuesday at the sixth regional public forum on the nuclear industry and public safety.

“The geography has changed, understandably this forecast today does not include Germany, Japan and a number of European countries. However, Britain, which was not (in the forecast) prior to Fukushima has appeared here,” Kiriyenko said.

He said the first nuclear power plant built to post-Fukushima safety standards is Kudankulam NPP in India. “One can firmly say that if this plant was hit by an earthquake of such force as Fukushima, there would not be any impact on the environment,” Kiriyenko said.

He also said that all plants currently being built in Russia meet post-Fukushima safety standards.

Despite the global decline in orders for nuclear power plants following the disaster at the Fukushima plant in Japan, Russia’s nuclear industry has seen orders double, Kiriyenko said.