Rosatom: Russia boosts nuclear-generation percentage in 2015

Russian state nuclear company Rosatom said late last week that nuclear energy in the Russian Federation has increased to make up 18.6 percent of all energy produced in the nation during 2015, up from 17.2 percent in 2014.

The company said that over the course of 2015, approximately 1.049 trillion kilowatt hours were generated across the entire energy sector. Of that approximately, approximately 195 billion were generated through nuclear means. The company said there are currently 10 nuclear power plants in operation in Russia.

The company is tasked with the management and operation of all nuclear plants and activities within the Russian Federation. Across the 10 plants, there are currently 35 nuclear reactors in operation. The company said the development of the nuclear industry remains one of Russia’s priorities in terms of energy security and overall economic performance. In 2015, nuclear generation in the Russian Federation reached a record high since the country began utilizing nuclear power, Rosatom said.

The World Nuclear Association (WNA) said approximately one reactor per year is expected to enter operation in the Russian Federation  until 2028. The association said this balances out against reactors that will be retired during that period of time. The WNA also said nuclear expansion and nuclear technology development are priorities for the Russian government.