Mr Egor Simonov, Head of ROSATOM in Southeast Asia, spoke about the future prospects in the development of atomic energy in this region at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2015 held in Singapore from 26-30 October. Mr Simonov was one of the speakers during a roundtable discussion on “Is Southeast Asia Ready for Atomic Energy?” hosted by think-tank, the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

The discussion brought together several international experts and representatives of government agencies from several ASEAN countries. In addition to Mr Simonov, former Deputy Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Dr. Olli Heinonen, the Deputy Chairman of National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN) Dr. Taswanda Taryo, and the President of the Singapore National Academy of Science Prof. Andrew Wee Thye Shen took part in the session.

In his presentation, Mr Simonov outlined several key benefits of nuclear energy as there is growing demand for electricity in ASEAN. Besides the benefits of affordable and clean electric power, he also pointed out that nuclear technologies are able to help emerging countries reach a new level of socio-economic development.

“The construction of nuclear power plants serves as catalyst for further economic development. The nuclear industry contributes to job creation, advanced engineering and construction, development of R&D and education,” Mr Simonov noted.

Tags: Rosatom