The Users Group view: what Soviet-designed reactors need

A symposium of the User's Group for Soviet Designed Reactors held in Moscow in March 1994 is reported. The principal aim was to provide an opportunity for plant operators to indicate to Western organizations and suppliers where assistance in promoting reactor safety would be most beneficial. Specific priorities for each reactor type, VVER-440 models 213 and 230, VVER-1000 and RBMK, were identified from comprehensive reports. The Users' Group hopes to form a single interface for managing technology transfer from the West to ensure its appropriateness, to avoid duplication and to encourage the ultimate technological self-sufficiency of Eastern European operators. Unresolved questions of funding are discussed. (5 tables) (UK)