SNF is a valuable resource and its reprocessing is a very lucrative business. Moreover, this is in the interests of the whole country, not only of Minatom. This is a project of social significance. It is important that our resolution to provide energy to Russia in the 21st century and to solve its environmental problems including those related to the rehabilitation of territories contaminated as a result of defence activities receives an additional source of investment. Exploitation of deposits at Taimir and the Shtockman deposit in the Barents Sea would require enormous investments.
Nuclear power is the only alternative in Russia.
By 2005 Russian nuclear power plants will produce more than 170 billion kWh per year an equivalent saving of more than 50 billion m 3 of gas. The establishment of a single electricity generating nuclear corporation seems to be a promising direction of development. However, any structural changes will require serious study. There has been conflict with the US concerning Russia's involvement in the Bushehr nuclear power plant project in Iran. However, we have proved to the US many times that our construction in Iran does not contradict any international agreements.