MGR Online — Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear and atomic energy corporation, has announced that it will begin construction of a nuclear power plant in Myanmar in 2027, following the signing of a contract for preliminary surveys.
The announcement came after President Min Aung Hlaing's most recent visit to Moscow, during which he made an intensive effort to attract Russian energy investment.
"We have a comprehensive contractual framework and are entering the site survey process. This is a genuine start to construction," said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
An intergovernmental agreement signed in March 2025 covers cooperation on a 110-megawatt nuclear power plant comprising two reactors, with the possibility of expansion to 330 megawatts, using the RITM‑200N reactor — a small modular pressurised-water reactor adapted from Russia's nuclear icebreaker fleet.
Last week, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the project would become a new symbol of friendship between Russia and Myanmar.
During Min Aung Hlaing's first visit to Russia as president earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin described the nuclear power plant as a flagship project for both countries.
The Myanmar government opened a nuclear information centre in Yangon in 2023, and last year signed an agreement with Russia on nuclear safety and radiation protection.
It remains unclear how the cash-strapped government will pay for the plant, but observers say it may have to shoulder a massive long-term debt in the form of low-interest loans from the Russian government, to be repaid once the plant begins generating revenue or possibly through Myanmar's abundant natural resources.
The project is expected to take several years to build due to its modular design. It is reportedly situated near Naypyidaw, and experts have warned of serious risks while Myanmar's military is waging war against resistance forces — increasing the danger of a serious accident.
Since the 2021 coup, Russia and Myanmar have expanded their strategic cooperation from arms and energy into infrastructure, with nuclear energy becoming a cornerstone of the partnership as both governments face Western sanctions.
In addition to Myanmar, Rosatom also sells nuclear technology to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Laos.
