Cutting-edge Russian technology to help Sri Lanka with 2 mini nuclear power plants

By Dr. K.G.I. Amarasinghe

It is common knowledge that Russia controls the best nuclear power technology and dominates the supply chains for nuclear energy. In 2021, there were 439 nuclear reactors operating around the world, 38 of them in Russia. An additional 42 nuclear reactors were produced using Russian nuclear reactor technology, and 15 more were under construction using Russian nuclear reactor technology at the end of 2021.

Many countries place their trust on Russian technology and as such, 18 Russian nuclear reactors are presently located around Europe, notably in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Finland, and Bulgaria, all being highly developed nations. 

No other country has been able to match the advanced Russian technology in nuclear energy, which is why Europe continues to import raw materials from Russia and seek Russian technology. Additionally, India and Hungary continue to be among the nations that Russia has assisted with nuclear power plants.

The younger generations of the 21st century are highly concerned with the environment and lay emphasis on sustainability. Many people believe that nuclear power plants are harmful for the environment and most importantly are unconvinced that it matches the trending sustainability goals most organisations and countries are trying to achieve.

The statements and statistics given below substantiate the fact that nuclear power is generally beneficial to any nation.

1. Electricity generation by nuclear power is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than any other energy sources like oil, coal, and gas, with the exception of the initial construction cost. 

One of the other advantages of nuclear power is that, unlike traditional power sources, which can fluctuate over time, there is little possibility of cost inflation. This could have a significant positive impact on Sri Lanka's current situation and lessen the strain on the country’s finances

2. Nuclear energy generates little waste since the fuel is extremely energy dense. As such, the quantity of used nuclear fuel is much smaller than any other conventional energy source needed to produce the energy

3. The use of nuclear energy enables countries to prevent air pollution and subsequently reduces the harmful effects on the human body. 

According to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), some nations have been able to prevent more than 471 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020, which is more than all other sustainable energy sources put together and is the equivalent of removing 100 million vehicles off the road. 

As such the instalment of nuclear power stations will lead a major reduction in pollution, lung cancer, acid rain and cardiovascular illnesses

Critics mention that humans and the environment are negatively impacted by uranium mining for nuclear power plants, although credible articles and studies claim that open pit mining is significantly less detrimental to the environment and to miners themselves. Subsequently, the construction of nuclear power plants may require a significant number of resources like metal and concrete at the initial stages. However, we must keep in mind that this is a long-term solution which will be extremely beneficial for many generations to come.

Russia is currently No. 1 in the world for the most concurrent nuclear reactor construction projects, where three units in Russia and 34 units abroad are in various phases of implementation. Further, being the closest SAARC countries to Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh have also installed nuclear power plants; two in India and one Bangladesh with the help of Russian Technology to support their power systems.

As India and Bangladesh, who are Sri Lanka’s closest neighbours, share a lot in common in terms of climate, cultures and status of economy, it is certainly pertinent to conclude that Sri Lanka will indeed greatly benefit from this technology.

Making the decision to establish nuclear power plants will enable the country’s citizens and organisations to unwind from the continued power outages and spend quality lives and operate businesses unhindered. Rather, numerous variables have been taken into account and been carefully considered in order to develop Sri Lanka on par with other South Asian countries and to make it a safer and greener home for future generations.

(The writer is a Member of the National Sciences and Technology Commission.)