Russian nuclear company Rosatom is proceeding with plans to build a nuclear power plant in Myanmar, despite a recent earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation. The 7.7 magnitude quake in March resulted in over 3,700 deaths and devastated communities, marking it as Myanmar’s deadliest natural disaster in decades.

Rosatom emphasised its commitment to the highest international safety and reliability standards, including strict seismic resistance requirements.

The project involves constructing a small modular reactor (SMR) with a total capacity of 110MW, powered by two 55MW reactors. Rosatom’s press office confirmed: “The recent earthquake has not affected Rosatom’s plans in Myanmar.” The company underscored its adherence to stringent international safety standards, including robust seismic resistance measures.

The agreement for the nuclear facility, signed by Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin, is a key component of Myanmar’s infrastructure development strategy. Rosatom has not disclosed the construction timeline or the specific location of the plant, which will use RITM-200N reactors, originally developed for icebreaker ships.

Myanmar’s leadership has not commented publicly on the project, which is moving forward amid ongoing domestic challenges following a 2021 military takeover. The conflict has displaced millions and strained the country’s economy. To finance the nuclear initiative, Myanmar is exploring options with Rosatom, potentially using a combination of its own funds and loans, similar to arrangements Russia has made with countries like Bangladesh and Egypt for other nuclear projects.

Neighboring Thailand is monitoring Myanmar’s nuclear ambitions. Potential sites for the plant include Naypyitaw, Bago, and the Dawei economic zone, where additional infrastructure projects, such as a port and oil refinery, are under consideration.