Cambodia and Russia are in discussion on plans for the preparing human resources and subsequent construction of the nuclear power plant in the Cambodia to meet the country’s fast rising energy demand.The first meeting of Russia-Cambodia joint working group was held in Phnom Penh recently to explore the possibilities of using atomic energy for peaceful purposes. The Russian ambassador to Cambodia, Dmitry Tsvetkov, and representatives of the Russian state atomic corporation Rosatom were present at the meeting. The main topic of discussion was long-term and short-team training of Cambodian specialists in nuclear field.
In June 2016, memorandums of understanding (MoU) were signed between the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Rosatom for the creation of a nuclear information center, and the creation of a joint working group for the development of nuclear energy in Cambodia.
The minister of environment of Cambodia stated: “Cambodia needs to meet future energy demands and achieve energy security while supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. For these reasons, our government is exploring alternative energy sources, in particular hydro, solar and biomass. We have also started to discuss the possibility of benefiting from nuclear energy in the longer term.”
Sok Kean, a Ministry of Environment representative said, “The most important thing for us at the moment is to develop of human resources .We are going to focus mostly on to attract youth to the fields of science, math, physics and engineering, Scholarships for Cambodian students in Russia were discussed.”
“Construction of nuclear power plants is considered in the long term and has yet to be explored in terms of financing.” he added.
“Cambodia needs more technical experts in the atomic sector and this joint cooperation with Russia will be a good opportunity for more training to be done,” Om Romny, Director General of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia said.
The peaceful use of atomic energy in the countries without previous experience in the field of nuclear technology, are considered as a catalyst for innovations and high technology industries development.
“Rosatom” offers its partner countries a comprehensive approach to create full-fledged nuclear industry, including both construction and maintenance of research reactors and nuclear power units, joint research projects, training of personnel for the nuclear power industry, assistance in the field of nuclear and radiation safety, and assistance in establishing the necessary legal framework.
Electricity generating capacity specially nuclear power generation in Asia is growing significantly. There are 128 operable nuclear power reactors, 40 under construction and more 90 are on firm plans. Many more are proposed. The greatest growth in nuclear generation is expected in China, South Korea and India. Globally, over 45 countries ranging from developed to developing nations are actively working on nuclear power programs.
With 70 years’ expertise in the nuclear field, ROSATOM is the global leader and presently implementing highest number of NPPs, 8 in Russia and 34 in other countries.
