Russian nuclear company Rosatom is planning to go ahead with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Myanmar, despite the South East Asian country recently suffering from a massive earthquake, reported Reuters, citing sources.
The 7.7 magnitude quake, which struck in March, left more than 3,700 people dead and flattened communities, making it the country’s deadliest natural disaster in decades.
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The decision to move forward with the small modular reactor (SMR) project, which will have an initial capacity of 110MW from two 55MW reactors, remains unchanged.
“The recent earthquake has not affected Rosatom’s plans in Myanmar,” stated the company’s press office.
Rosatom emphasised its commitment to the highest international safety and reliability standards, including strict seismic resistance requirements, the report said.
The agreement for the nuclear facility, signed by Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin, remains a significant element of Myanmar’s infrastructure development plans.
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By GlobalDataHowever, Rosatom declined to disclose any construction timeline or the location of the proposed facility, which will utilise RITM-200N reactors initially designed for icebreaker ships.
Myanmar’s junta has not provided comments on the nuclear project, which comes amid an escalating civil war following a 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government.
The ongoing conflict has displaced millions and severely impacted Myanmar’s economy.
Despite these challenges, the junta is exploring financing options for the nuclear power project with Rosatom, which may include both its own and borrowed funds.
In similar ventures, Russia has extended low-interest loans to countries like Bangladesh and Egypt for conventional nuclear power projects.
Thailand is closely watching Myanmar’s nuclear plans. Security sources say possible plant sites include Naypyitaw, Bago and the Dawei economic zone, where a port and oil refinery are also planned.
