Myanmar SMR site work 'could start in 2027'

In-house publication Strana Rosatom said the progress update had come from Director General Alexei Likhachev, who is also quoted as adding "the pace of progress is determined not only by us but also by the customers … we've signed an intergovernmental agreement, and now we have a comprehensive contractual framework and are about to enter the site. This is essentially the start of construction".

An intergovernmental agreement signed during a state visit to Russia in March 2025 covered cooperation on the development of a 110 MW project featuring two small modular reactors in Myanmar, with the possibility of expansion with more units, to 330 MW capacity.

The plan is to use RITM-200N pressurised water reactors - adapted from the RITM-200 type used on the nuclear icebreaker fleet - with a capacity of 55 MW each.

After talks during an official visit to Russia last week by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said: "I am confident that the project will provide a powerful impetus to the development of cooperation in related fields, including fundamental and applied scientific research, and will become a new symbol of Russian-Myanmar friendship."

Russia already has a land-based SMR under construction and a sea-based one operating. It sees considerable export potential - earlier this year, a ceremony was held for the pouring of concrete at the site of the first of two of the Russian SMR units in Uzbekistan.