Russia, Bolivia agree to cooperate in nuclear energy

Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bolivian ministry of hydrocarbons and energy on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The document was signed by Sergey Kirienko, Rosatom director general, and Luis Alberto Sanchez, Bolivia's energy minister.

Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bolivian ministry of hydrocarbons and energy on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The document was signed by Sergey Kirienko, Rosatom director general, and Luis Alberto Sanchez, Bolivia's energy minister.

Sanchez and Kirienko sign the memorandum of understanding (Image: Rosatom)

Cooperation will include: the use of radioisotopes and radiation technologies and their application in industry, medicine, agriculture and other fields; providing training and education personnel; assistance in the creation and development of infrastructure for the management and regulation of Bolivia's nuclear power program; the potential construction of a nuclear science and technology center; holding consultations on the possible construction of nuclear power plants of Russian design in Bolivia; and, the development of public information programs.

The two sides have agreed to hold talks on a possible intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Bolivian President Evo Morales said in October last year that the South American country would invest more than $2 billion in the development of nuclear energy over the next decade. He said that Bolivia's nuclear energy program will "streamline and strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, in addition to improving food preservation, seeds, soil and pest control with the installation of an irradiation plant." Morales added that the country plans to install a cyclotron PET/CT linear accelerator as well as a nuclear research reactor.

In March this year, Bolivia signed a cooperation agreement with Argentina to promote and develop the infrastructure and institutions needed for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement will "strengthen the scientific, technical and financial support in national nuclear programs under the framework of [Bolivia's] national legislation and its international obligations", the ministry said.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News