19.03.2010
Atomstroyexport JSC (ASE JSC) and German GNS signed the Cooperation Agreement on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) handling. Atomstroyexport and GNS “agreed to join their efforts, various skills and knowledge for use of the dual-purpose casks, including those for fuel from the Russia-design reactors, as well as for designing, provision of services and equipment for NPP decommissioning”, as stated in the Agreement text.The companies intend to participate jointly in implementation of a number of projects, one of which is Belene NPP construction project in Bulgaria. Atomstroyexport JSC is realizing construction of this plant on the general contractor’s full responsibility basis. Thus, it will be for the first time at Belene NPP when the reference fuel handling technology is applied for VVER reactor SNF using CASTOR-1000 dual-purpose casks. CASTOR-1000 casks are of dual-purpose, as they are designed both for SNF storage in the NPP site and for subsequent SNF removal, without any additional transshipping operations. This technology meets the European safety standards and requirements of the Bulgarian Customer – the National Electric Company of Bulgaria. Atomstroyexport JSC is one of the world leaders in NPP construction. Alongside with NPP construction, the infrastructure facilities for handling of RW and SNF, generated during NPP operation, are erected. Atomstroyexport JSC realizes the strategy of open partnership and integration of the advanced Russian and European technologies of RW and SNF handling, thus providing ecological and power Russia-designed NPP safety.German GNS is the recognized leader in development and supply of SNF handling cask technology for NPP, as well as complexes for RW processing.
