On March 26, within the framework of ATOMEXPO-2024 International Forum in Sochi, the Industrial Automation (I&C) and Electrical Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation and PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel signed an agreement on expansion of cooperation in the area of radioisotope devices for process monitoring.
The cooperation of the parties is aimed at the use of best practices related to radioisotope devices for process monitoring at enterprises of Norilsk Nickel. The parties will not only apply the devices, but will also ensure further development of the technology and its adaptation to specific operational needs.
“In the context of the global strategy of independent technological development of the Russian industry, our cooperation is of particular relevance, demonstrating the potential of implementing high-tech solutions tested in the nuclear industry,” said Andrey Butko, Chief Executive Officer, RASU JSC. “The radioisotope devices have already undergone a cycle of special procedures and are ready for efficient operation in the harshest conditions, including important facilities to the north of the Arctic Circle.”
Alexey Parasyna, Director of Industrial Automation and Metrology at Nornickel’s IT Department, commented: “Partnership with Rosatom in the field of nuclear instrumentation opens up new horizons for us in further improving the accuracy and speed of production processes. These advanced technologies will enable us to increase control over key parameters of our operations, while ensuring high degree of automation and efficiency. We are confident that this cooperation will enhance our technological sovereignty and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign equipment.”
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Rosatom Automated Control Systems JSC (RASU JSC) is the managing company of Instrumentation and Control (I&C) and Electrical Engineering (EE) Division of Rosatom State Corporation. The company is the single integrator of I&C, Electrical Engineering and Nuclear Instrumentation businesses. RASU JSC brings together the extensive experience of Rosatom’s enterprises in the development of automated control systems and comprehensive electrical engineering solutions.
The devices are produced by Institute for Physical and Technical Problems (IPTP JSC), a company of I&C and EE Division of Rosatom State Corporation. These instruments, with 100% of import substitution, use directional radiation to measure density and level through the walls of vessels and tanks on site, without sampling. Due to high sensitivity of the devices, critical parameters can be measured without direct contact with aggressive or sensor-unfriendly media, while ensuring process automation.
The agreement between Rosatom and Nornickel is another step towards development of partnership. Earlier, the companies expressed interest in exploring the possibility to build small nuclear power plants to supply energy to Norilsk industrial region, which is isolated from the Unified Energy System of Russia. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Vladimir Potanin, President of Nornickel, signed the corresponding agreement of intent in February 2024. Small nuclear power plants developed by Rosatom are especially valuable for remote regions with de-centralized power supply, where they can serve as a reliable source of electricity and a basis for sustainable development of territories. As part of the agreement, the parties explore potential sites and infrastructure for the future power plants.
In addition, the joint venture of Nornickel and Mining Division of Rosatom State Corporation, Polar Lithium LLC, was awarded a production license for the Kolmozero lithium deposit in the Murmansk region. The deposit development project will include an enrichment factory and an integrated plant for production of lithium carbonate and cathode materials for energy storages and batteries. The project will contribute to substitution of imported lithium raw materials for the development of electric transport in Russia.
ATOMEXPO international forum is the main event in the global nuclear industry. This is a major expo and business event, a place for discussion of the current state of the industry and setting future trends. The forum was first held in 2009. The participants include top managers of the key players of the global nuclear market – businesses, governmental bodies, international and non-governmental organizations, leading experts. The format of the forum includes an expo and a congress. A plenary session is the highlight of an extensive business program. Panels and round table discussions raise the most important topics of the nuclear industry. Leading global nuclear vendors and companies of related sectors present their best technologies and capabilities in an expo.
Major Russian companies pay a lot of attention to development of digital economy and necessary IT infrastructure. The existing conditions for occurrence and prompt implementation of modern technologies will contribute to development of Russian software within the framework of programs for technological sovereignty in the digital sphere. Rosatom and its enterprises are actively involved in these works.
As part of the demonstration of Rosatom’s commitment to the climate agenda, the carbon footprint of the 13th International Forum ATOMEXPO-2024 will be compensated using special certificates.
