Irina Tsurina, Head of Analytical Department of «PRopaganda» Center of Communication Technologies

– Russian Government is putting the economy on an innovative footing

The share of nuclear power plants in total energy production in Russia must be increased to 25%-30% despite the financial crisis, Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin said during a conference on nuclear energy at Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in Tver region. He said that under the crisis this task needs special attention. Putin also granted Rosatom’s request for additional capitalization worth 50bln RUR.

The Russian state monopolies have proved their efficiency and will receive substantial state support. The Government sees that they have sufficient capacities for pulling the national real sector out of the crisis. Yesterday, such assistance was promised to Russian Railways and Rosatom. The latter will get 50bln RUR in addition to 70bln RUR earmarked for this year. This is the case when the Government encourages the successful instead of saving the drowning.

Rosatom is a monopoly that has avoided substantial reformation due to high safety-related risks. Today, it has turned out to be the most prepared for the crisis. By supporting the ambitious plans to build 26 nuclear reactors by 2030 the Government is putting the economy on an innovative footing. This is one of the few steps oriented towards the future.