Russian ambassador to Bolivia visits the construction site of the Center for Nuclear Technology Research and Development (CNTRD) in El Alto

March 24 - Mikhail Ledenev, the head of the Russian embassy at the Plurinational State of Bolivia, and the representatives of the Bolivian Ministry of International Affairs accompanied by Alexey Altynov, Vice President of JSC Rusatom Overseas, visited the construction site of the Center for Nuclear Technology Research and Development (CNTRD) in El Alto located 4000 meters above sea level.

This innovative project, based on the advanced nuclear technologies for the needs of healthcare, agriculture and many other sectors, is implemented by ABEN (the Bolivian Agency for Nuclear Energy) in cooperation with JSC GSPI (under common management with Rusatom Overseas). The diplomats visited the CNTRD construction facilities of Phase 1 and 2  - the Preclinical Cyclotron-Radiopharmacology Complex (PCRC) which will produce radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and treatment of oncology, as well as the Multipurpose Irradiation Center (MIC) based on a commercial gamma-ray unit for the treatment of medical devices and agricultural products.

“The CNTRD project is a unique project not only for Bolivia, but also for the entire Latin America. It is based on the advanced technologies that will make a real impact in the fight against oncological diseases,” said Mikhail Ledenev. The head of the Russian embassy in Bolivia also noted that the Multipurpose Irradiation Center, planned for commissioning this year, will open new horizons for the Bolivian agricultural exporters. “The MIC technologies will increase the shelf life of food products and ensure their safety and high quality. After we started this project, the prices for the land in this area have grown and it confirms that now this region is considered a prestigious place, which is quite fair. Such centers are to improve R&D collaboration and attract scientists from all over the world helping to solve global challenges. I am sure that our work on this project will bring the results in the nearest future,” Mikhail Ledenev added after the visit.

“The Bolivian construction companies are actively involved the CNTRD construction process. For example, there are over 300 Bolivian citizens currently working on the site.  Phase 1 and 2 facilities are planned to be handed over to the Customer in autumn 2021. The next step will be Phase 3 and 4 – construction and equipment of R&D laboratories, as well as construction of a research reactor which completion is scheduled for 2024,” noted Alexey Altynov, Vice President of JSC Rusatom Overseas.

For reference:

JSC GSPI (under common management with Rusatom Overseas) has a vast experience in designing medical centers in Russia and abroad. Today, JSC GSPI is responsible for the design and construction of nuclear science and technology centers in Bolivia and Zambia, the expansion and reconstruction of Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center, as well as the development of design documentation, site surveys, construction and installation works for the radiology unit of the East-Siberian Oncology Center in Irkutsk.

JSC Rusatom Overseas of a member company of Rosatom State Corporation responsible for the international marketing and promotion of NPP and centers for nuclear science and technology integrated project offers.