Andrey Nagibin, Chairman of Board of Green Patrol ecological organization

– Processing of industrial waste is one of possible solutions despite the complexity of this process

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.

Industrial waste is reality and we must do something with it. Processing is one of possible solutions despite the complexity of this process.

The new UF6 processing workshop will allow us to process uranium hexafluoride into safer uranium oxide concentrate. The defluorination process has been tested and has proved its safety. Uranium oxide concentrate is more stable and is easier to store. Green Patrol does not object to processing of UF6 in Russia but on condition that it will be the waste from our reactors as well as reactors of Russian design built abroad.