OREANDA-NEWS. March 21, 2011. The Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation suggests introducing a uniform safety standard for nuclear power plants and inspecting all nuclear power units in operation and under construction. If necessary, their outfitting can be carried out. The suggestions were put forward by energy minister Sergey Shmatko at a meeting of the Russia-Slovakia intergovernmental commission for economic, scientific and technical cooperation held in Bratislava on March 18-19. The energy ministry informed that addressing the meeting, Shmatko noted that nuclear power was one of promising areas of the bilateral cooperation.

The minister reminded that Russia supported Atomstroyexport's participation in modernization of Mohovce and Bohunice reactors and possible involvement in construction of a new reactor on the Bohunice site, as well as assistance in operation of the existing N-plants and fuel supplies for them. Commenting on cooperation in this area, Shmatko noted that there was growing skepticism towards safety of nuclear power. "When rigorous technical and technological norms are observed and duly control is exercised, the use of modern nuclear technologies is as safe as that of majority of other energy sources," the minister stated.