Cooperation of CMEA-member states in the development of various types of power reactors, including certain aspects of their nuclear fuel cycles

Major achievements in the international cooperation between CMEA-member states in the field of nuclear science and technology are shortly surveyed. Total NPP generating capacity of the countries has increased from 1.1 GWe in 1971 to 7.5 GWe in 1975. The growth has become possible due to serial production of the WWER-440 reactors. Economic comparative evaluations of several scenarios of nuclear power developments in the future show that an integrated nuclear power system of the member-states is superior to others in all respects. Achievements in the field of the external fuel cycle are also summarized. Specifications of a spent fuel reprocessing plant (1500 tonnes per year) have been developed. Technology of waste underground disposal has been worked out. Spent fuel railway shipment rules have been prepared. Cooperative efforts in radiation protection have ensured the safe running of the NPP's with negligible environmental impact. The growing role of international cooperation and planning in nuclear engineering industries is emphasized