Russian nuclear manufacturer moves into wind

12 November 2010

Russian nuclear equipment maker Atomenergomash has announced that it intends to start manufacturing wind turbines and developing wind farms as it seeks to become a 'global player in wind energy' by 2020. In plans unveiled at the annual conference of the Russian wind industry, Atomenergomash CEO Vladimir Kashchenko revealed that the company is looking to form a technology partnership with a wind energy company and together to start producing turbines sometime in 2012. Initially they will focus on developing 50-100 MWe wind farms in Russia and Atomenergomash is already negotiating with state nuclear operator Rosenergoatom to construct wind farms on existing nuclear power sites. In addition to this domestic program, the company is also studying the feasibility of wind projects in 'priority' international markets such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. To ensure it expands rapidly, Atomenergomash is planning on acquiring an international development company.