The machine-building division of Rosatom – JSC Atomenergomash – jointly with its enterprises PJSC ZiO-Podolsk and JSC ZIOMAR have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC). The document provides for joint efforts of the companies in setting up operations for disposal of solid municipal waste (SMW) in Russia and the CIS countries.

Presently, MHIEC has accumulated a wealth of experience in designing plants for disposal of SMW based on the latest advanced technology – gasification in a fluidised bed and ash fusion. Its main advantage is high performance and absence of hazardous emissions to the atmosphere. The Company is considering the possibility of participating in construction of respective enterprises in different regions of Russia. If such projects are realised, PJSC ZiO-Podolsk will be able to act as local manufacturer and a single-source supplier of boiler and other equipment.

"The signed memorandum is the result of systemic efforts in implementing the strategy of development of non-nuclear business areas of Mechanical Engineering Division. Collaboration with Japanese partners will let us enter a new promising market. It will also attract advanced technologies to the area of handling SMW, which meet demanding environmental and technical requirements", pointed out Andrey Nikipelov, Director General of JSC Atomenergomash.

"We give a high rating to the prospects of the possible technological alliance. The engineering potentialities of our enterprise make it possible in short term to set up and launch production of equipment for such projects", stated Andrey Buzinov, Director General of PJSC ZiO-Podolsk.

According to the document, joint projects can be implemented in Russia, the CIS countries and in other countries by mutual agreement. The forms, the timeframe and collaboration terms and conditions, concrete functions and obligations, as well as detailed job allocation will be defined by an appropriate agreement in each specific case.