Fyodor Veselov, Head of Energy Market Regulation Laboratory of Energy Research Institute

– Tver NPP is a big growing point

Public hearings on the preliminary environmental impact assessment of the project to build and operate the 1st and 2nd units of Tver Nuclear Power Plant will take place in Udomlia, today, July 8 2009. Tver NPP will have two units with a total capacity of 2,340MW. Its prototype is Novovoronezh NPP-2. The position of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation is to build nuclear power plants only after receiving the approval of the public. The hearings are the result of two-month work to collect public views and recommendations. Within a month after the hearings each citizen will be able to familiarize himself with the environmental impact assessment materials and to submit his proposals and remarks.

This project will give the region substantial budgetary revenues as NPP is a big tax payer. The plant will help the region to diversify its economy. Nuclear energy is an innovative sector and NPP construction is a serious innovative contribution. NPP is not just a production but plenty of different services and infrastructure. The construction of Tver PP will give Udomlia and its nearby area lots of prestigious and stable jobs and bright prospects for future growth.

NPP construction is a project that lasts for many years and gives stimulus to the whole construction industry. One will hardly bring cement from 1,000kw away, will he? More naturally, one will first use his local resources. So, Tver NPP is a big growing point.

In the face of crisis you should better not start a project just for starting it. You should first prepare for it: hold public hearings, explain to people that in some 6–7 years they will urgently need energy. Once you have done it, you will no longer have to waste time on coordination and approvals and will be able to start the project whenever necessary. I think that preparatory work is essential and important.