RBC, 27.08.2008, Moscow 09:59:36.A meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian sub-commission on atomic energy and nuclear materials, which started on Tuesday, will continue today. It is expected that, among other things, the commission will discuss the signing of a long-term contract for the supplies of Russia's nuclear fuel for Ukrainian nuclear power plants after 2010. The Russian corporation TVEL is proposing to ink an agreement until 2025, but Ukraine has not yet decided on a term for which it would like to order the fuel. Ukraine's proposed participation in the international uranium enrichment center in Angarsk in southeastern Siberia could also be brought up.
It is expected that the sides will discuss the possibility for Russia to take part in a project for the creation of a plant to produce nuclear fuel in Ukraine. The estimated cost of the ten-year program is $850m. Also under discussion is the possibility of cooperation in zirconium production. Ukraine currently produces 250 tonnes of this metal per year. The plan is to step up output in order to facilitate exports of the metal to Russia and other countries.