– I think that Nizhniy Novgorod region will opt for nuclear power plant

Public hearings on the preliminary version of the environmental impact assessment of the construction and operation of the 1st and 2nd units of Nizhniy Novgorod Nuclear Power Plant will be held in Nizhniy Novgorod region on Sept 4 2009.

I think that Nizhniy Novgorod region will opt for nuclear power plant. People will not object. Ecologists will make some noise, some party seeking seats in the parliament may start collecting signatures but we cannot turn the time back. Today, nobody can make career on such things – like Boris Nemtsov did 20 years ago. Chernobyl is already a history and we must try to change something in our lives. We cannot protest against the rising level of Volga River near Cheboksary WPP and say “no” to nuclear energy at one and the same time, can we? I must chose and I think that Nizhniy Novgorod region will opt for nuclear energy.

This project will the region new jobs and tax revenues. I think that there will be no resistance. People will not go into the streets. They will vote for nuclear energy. The campaign is already underway and I think that it will have positive effect on the public opinion.

Analysis of the energy balance in Nizhniy Novgorod region have shown that:

— in 2007 the shortage of power generating capacities in the region was 1,800MW;

— in 2020, if no additional power facilities are built, the shortage will grow to 4,000MW.

This proves that the region needs a nuclear power plant.

The preliminary site is situated near the village of Monakovo, Navashino district. The plant will consist of two units with a total capacity of 2,300MW. The necessity of the construction of Nizhniy Novgorod region has been confirmed by a special survey. In 2007 the energy shortage in the region totaled 1,800MW, in 2010 it is expected to grow 4,000MW.

The project will involve almost 8,000 people, the proceeds from profit tax will total 40bln RUR, property tax – 50bln RUR, land tax – 1bln RUR, transport tax – almost 50bln RUR.