Japan to sign nuclear supply deal with Russia

After two years of negotiations, energy-starved Japan is to sign a nuclear supply deal with Russia on Tuesday during a visit by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, to enable trade in technology and uranium while addressing proliferation issues.

Planned contracts under the deal include supplying Japan with $100 million worth of low enriched uranium for nuclear power stations, said Sergei Kirienko, the head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation.
“This agreement guarantees absolutely adherence to non-proliferation regime which both our countries respect,” Kirienko told reporters in Tokyo.

As the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, Japan is particularly sensitive about the issue of proliferation.

But Kirienko sidestepped questions as to whether Moscow would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect facilities, something that has never happened in Russia.

Japan relies on nuclear power for about a quarter of its electricity and plans to increase production as part of plans to cut carbon emissions to combat climate change.

Reuters