Ivan Rubinov, energy analyst of Olma IG

– For Russian suppliers of nuclear equipment competition with Siemens is a chance to enhance their efficiency

The working group set up for making necessary preparations for large-scale strategic cooperation between Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation and Siemens has started its work today, Feb 4, 2009. The agreement for establishing such cooperation was reached during an enlarged meeting of the Board of Siemens in Moscow, Feb 3, 2009.

The decision of Siemens and Rosatom to start cooperation was not an expected step. It seemed that the Russian nuclear industry would remain closed to foreign companies. But now it happened and it is certainly good for the market. Liberalization and high competition are always good for clients. This step will certainly benefit Russia.

Even if we make no serious contracts in the near future, we will be able to better understand the western specifications and markets, while our specialists will be able to improve their qualification due to exchange of experience. But I believe that there will be joint projects – and not only in Russia but also in other countries.

Eastern European states are eager to have nuclear reactors. Effective division of labor is a guarantee of high efficiency. One example is Airbus: this European plane has been designed by many countries; as a result, it is the only aircraft that can successfully compete with Boeing. Synergy is always good. Siemens has big experience of work on the markets where we have never been and where we may face very tough technical regulations. This will help us not only to effectively work on foreign markets but also to improve the technical regulations of our own one. Nowhere else will you find experts of such a high level.

For Russian suppliers of nuclear equipment competition with Siemens is a chance to enhance their efficiency. Time will show who and how will use this chance.