Approaches to the creation of a closed nuclear cycle in the Russian Federation

The present basis for nuclear power utilization in the Russian Federation and the country's strategy for future development of nuclear power are discussed in the paper. A closed nuclear fuel cycle with fast reactors is considered essential to make nuclear power utilization sustainable over the long term. Transmutation provides the technological support for prevention of proliferation and it is emphasized that development of such a closed nuclear fuel cycle would be suitable for international cooperation. (author)