Russia is set to make a major leap in nuclear energy technology with the world’s first nuclear power system using a closed fuel cycle, scheduled to launch in Tomsk Region by 2030.
President Vladimir Putin highlighted the achievement as a milestone for Russian engineering during the World Atomic Week forum in Moscow.
A Historic First in Global Nuclear Technology
Putin emphasized that no other nation has yet developed a similar system.
“I believe Russia can be proud of this,” he said, underscoring the significance of the project for the country’s technological prestige.
This development positions Russia as a leader in advancing sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
How the Closed Fuel Cycle Works
Unlike the conventional linear nuclear fuel cycle—where spent fuel is removed, stored, and left as long-term radioactive waste—the closed fuel cycle allows spent fuel to be reprocessed and reused.
This approach offers multiple benefits:
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Reduces dependence on natural uranium by recycling existing fuel.
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Cuts the volume of radioactive waste requiring long-term storage.
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Eliminates the need for expensive modernization of storage facilities.
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Supports more sustainable and environmentally responsible nuclear energy, aligning with Russia’s long-term energy goals.
Putin highlighted that these advantages make the closed cycle a game-changer for both the economics and safety of nuclear energy worldwide.
Rosatom Driving Innovation
The initiative is being developed by Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation.
Back in autumn 2024, Rosatom’s CEO Aleksei Likhachev unveiled another key milestone: the launch of the world’s first fabrication/refabrication (MFR) module for mixed uranium-plutonium fuel (SNUP).
This technology enables the production of advanced fuel for Generation IV reactors, forming part of Rosatom’s Proryv (“Breakthrough”) project.
Future of Nuclear Energy in Tomsk Region
The new nuclear systems under construction in Seversk, Tomsk Region, will allow repeated recycling of spent fuel, marking a significant step forward in global nuclear energy development.
With this technology, Russia aims to maximize resource efficiency, reduce waste, and set new standards for environmentally responsible nuclear power.