A groundbreaking nuclear power system featuring a closed fuel cycle is set to become operational in Russia’s Tomsk region by the end of the decade. The announcement came during an international atomic energy forum held in Moscow.
Officials highlighted that current uranium reserves are projected to last until approximately 2090 but could be depleted sooner under growing demand. The new technology, developed by Russian researchers, is expected to address potential resource shortages by enabling more efficient fuel reuse.
Rising global electricity consumption, particularly from data centers—projected to more than double within ten years—was cited as a key driver for the initiative. Russia has already begun constructing data centers at existing nuclear facilities to support digital infrastructure growth.
The forum also emphasized increasing interest in peaceful nuclear energy programs, especially among developing nations. Russian representatives asserted that the country possesses comprehensive expertise across the entire nuclear energy production chain, from fuel supply to power generation.
