Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy of Bolivia on 8 July signed an agreement on the development of the construction project of the Nuclear Research and Technology Centre (NRTC) as well as two memoranda on the cooperation in the public acceptance of uses of atomic energy and on the staff training. The agreements form the basis for the further development of the bilateral cooperation, Rosatom said.
Rosatom said the purpose of the agreement “is to approve the programme of further actions to prepare and implement the NRTC construction project and key conditions under commercial contracts, which are planned for signature in 2016”. The centre will be fitted with a 200MW pool-type light water research reactor, a cyclotron and multi-purpose and experimental gamma-radiation facilities.
Under the first memorandum the parties agreed to implement measures on interaction with the public and mass media. The second memorandum provides for training of Bolivian students in Russian educational establishments, training of lecturers, we well as the drafting of training, methodological and scientific literature on nuclear subjects.
Bolivian president Evo Morales has said he wants Bolivia to embark on a nuclear energy programme including the construction of reactors in the western province of La Paz.