Bato-Zhargal Zhambalnimbuyev, member of Federation Council Sub-Committee on Nuclear Energy

– The appointment of Sergey Shmatko as Energy Minister was a reasonable decision

The appointment of Sergey Shmatko, a person who manages one of the leading nuclear companies of Russia (Atomstroyexport CJSC), as Energy Minister was a quite reasonable decision. Since the nuclear power industry has been left in the hands of the state — unlike the other parts of the energy sector — it will certainly be given priority in the government’s energy policy. Today, energy sector is not only a sector of the economy but also a sector of the politics.

In fact, this appointment has satisfied the old ambitions of the nuclear power engineers to get top positions in the energy hierarchy – it is not a secret that there is certain rivalry present in this sector.
 
Atomstroyexport enjoys the reputation of the leading supplier of Russian technologies abroad and one of the leading NPP builders in the world. The successful launch of the 1st and 2nd units of Tianwan NPP in China has proved the excellence of Russian nuclear technologies. I think that the person who successfully manages Russia’s leading engineering company is able to manage the whole energy sector of our country.