Russia-Myanmar nuclear development agreement

Russia and Myanmar have signed an agreement to cooperate in the use of nuclear energy, with the possibility of expanding capacity up to 330MW. The agreement was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev and Myanmar Science and Technology Minister Myo Thein Kyaw and includes a memorandum on nuclear safety. In February 2023, a series of agreements were signed, formalising the establishment of a cooperative relationship between the two nations concerning the peaceful utilisation of nuclear technology. This was accompanied by the ratification of additional agreements encompassing the domains of workforce training and infrastructure development. Myanmar joined the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1992, although it does not yet have nuclear power. Rosatom is also developing a 200 MW wind farm in the country. After meeting Myanmar’s prime minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the agreement would promote sustainable and affordable energy, boosting employment and economic growth. Russia, already active in land-based and offshore SMRs, sees an opportunity for expansion in Myanmar, having signed a similar deal with Uzbekistan.