Rosatom Eyes Massive Expansion by 2045

Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, is set to present its long-term strategic development plan in 2025, mapping out its vision through 2045.

This announcement came from Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The timing coincides with the 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry.

The plan outlines ambitious goals for expanding nuclear power generation across the country, targeting the addition of 28.5 GW of new capacity by 2042. These additions will primarily feature advanced nuclear reactors such as the VVER-TOI and VVER-S, which are expected to be deployed in areas where high-capacity reactors may not be feasible. Rosatom also plans to incorporate new low- and medium-capacity nuclear technologies, as well as reactors based on closed nuclear fuel cycle technology, such as the RBN-type power units.

In addition to building new capacity, Rosatom is preparing to retire older nuclear reactors, including 10.37 GW of capacity from various units, such as the RBMK-1000 and VVER-1000. 2 GW will be retired in the next five years, with the bulk of these retirements, 8.34 GW, occurring between 2031 and 2042.

Currently, nuclear power contributes 11.69% to Russia’s overall electricity generation, but Rosatom’s plan seeks to increase that share to 15.3% by 2042. This shift in Russia’s energy mix will also reduce thermal power generation, which is expected to drop from 65.62% to 56.55%. Hydroelectric power and renewables will round out the country’s generation capacity, with hydro staying steady at about 20.65% and renewables projected to rise to 7.5%.

Rosatom’s strategic vision is set to shape Russia’s energy landscape for decades, reinforcing the role of nuclear power in the country’s future.