Mikhail Grishankov, first vice chairman of Safety Committee of State Duma of Russia

– I support the plans to build an NPP in Perm region

This year the authorities of Perm region may start active work for selecting a site for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Perm region. Almost 8mln RUR and 24mln RUR will be allocated for this purpose in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The decision of the Parliament of Perm region to finance the work for selecting a site for the construction of a nuclear power plant was timely and important for the development of the region. It is absolutely obvious that any region needs cheap electricity. As a representative of Perm region to the State Duma, I am ready to actively support this project. We should assess our technological capacities and, if they prove sufficient, start the project. The authorities and the manufacturers of the region clearly see that they need this project. Today, our regions are fighting to the right to have a nuclear power plant, and, as a dynamically developing territory, Perm region is also looking forward to this prospect.

The main thing this project will give Perm region is new opportunities for economic growth. The construction of a nuclear power plant does not only develop infrastructure but also improves the social conditions in the host region. But the most important factor is cheap electricity. The electricity produced by thermal power plants is rather expensive. So, in fact, there is no alternative to nuclear power plants. Russia needs to save its energy resources for the future generations and nuclear power plants are what we need for economy. Perm region is developing very quickly. We have lots of investment proposals. We are one of the most advanced regions of our country and I am sure that we will keep the present pace. One of the key components of the investment appeal of a region is sufficiency of energy resources and the new NPP will certainly ensure this sufficiency.