Sergey Baranovsky, president of Russian Green Cross

– Processing of depleted UF6 will benefit Russia as this will be done by modern technology

JSC Production Association “Electrochemical Plant” (Krasnoyarsk region, 100% subsidiary of Atomenergoprom OJSC) is completing the testing and commissioning of Russia’s first commercial depleted uranium hexafluoride processing system. The “W-ECP” system is based on French technology and is being built by Techsnabexport OJSC in cooperation with AREVA NC (former COGEMA) and SGN (France). This is Russia’s first and the world’s third system for processing depleted uranium hexafluoride into uranium oxide concentrate, which is much safer to store. Uranium is defluorinated into a less hazardous matter. Uranium oxide concentrate is a matter whose chemical properties are close to the natural state of uranium ore. It is more stable and easier in transportation. It can be stored for a long time and may be used by new generations of fast-breeder reactors. The other products can be used by both nuclear and non-nuclear companies. The full capacity of the system is 10,000 tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride a year.

Processing of depleted uranium hexafluoride will certainly benefit Russia as this will be done by modern technology. In fact, this is already a nano-technology. True, this technology is not Russian but even if it is French it is good for Russia as uranium oxide concentrate is a lot less toxic matter than UF6. 

From ecological point of view, this is a big step forward. Time will show how this process will develop in our Russian conditions.

This step was preceded by serious marketing and scientific analysis. I think that it is good that we are actively introducing advanced technologies.