MOSCOW — The first 3D tour in the history of the Russian nuclear engineering took place at the site of Atommash, the Volgodonsk branch of “AEMtechnology”. The event unified over 40 executives and managers of leading manufacturing companies of Saudi Arabia, including Zamil Process Equipment, Al Zamil Heavy Industries, Bilfal Heavy Industries, Bemco Steel Industries, etc. The 3D tour was prepared and carried out by JSC “AEMtechnology”, Private Institution “Rusatom International Network” in cooperation with JSC “Rusatom Overseas”, which organizes the participation of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom in a competitive dialogue on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Kingdom. The participants were familiarized with the unique process capabilities of the leading enterprise of the Russian nuclear engineering industry, saw the thermal press section, machining of the reactor vessel blanks and welding of its main components, heat treatment, radiographic and hydraulic testing, assembly of the reactor vessel. The equipment being manufactured at the enterprise is intended for Rooppur NPP, Akkuyu NPP, Tianwan NPP and Kursk NPP. The experts of the company answered the participants’ questions online and provided all explanations required during the live broadcast from the production workshop. While summarizing the 3D tour, Igor Kotov, the general director of JSC “AEMtechnology”, noted that the company’s development key target is the extensive use of digital technologies to foster the efficiency of production processes and to leverage partnership and cooperation with the customers. “Modern “digit” is an integral part of our work. Everyone will agree that as of now remote communication tools is a hot issue. Long time ago did we dive into it: we actively implement a project with augmented reality to enable our customers accept the equipment remotely. “Today we successfully completed an experiment on the 3D presentation of our process capabilities. I have no doubts that this is a precious experience both for us and for our colleagues from Saudi Arabia,” Kotov emphasized. “Rosatom is keenly focused on working with Saudi industrial enterprises, as well as scientific and educational institutions, since the Russian side sees great potential for their involvement in the implementation of the Kingdom’s nuclear energy program. “A proactive dialogue is underway with Saudi companies. There have been organized seminars on modern Russian nuclear technologies, with the opportunities for cooperation with the local enterprises being discussed, both within the framework of a future project and for the construction of nuclear power plants in other countries. “In 2018-2019 we held three such seminars in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah which are the main industrial centers of this country. In 2019, a branch of JSC “Rusatom Overseas” was opened in Riyadh to ensure effective interaction with Saudi government and private companies in terms of cooperation of the nuclear technologies peaceful application. “Today, modern technologies enable us to be in touch with partners even under a pandemic and related restrictions”, noted Evgeny Pakermanov, president of JSC “Rusatom Overseas”. Rosatom has been involved in a competitive dialogue on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since October 2017. Two selection stages have been successfully completed and the Russian side is expecting information on further steps. Moreover, a road map on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed between Rosatom and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, K.A.CARE in December 2017. It includes a number of steps necessary to implement the cooperation program signed on Oct. 5, 2017 in Moscow during the history-making visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Russia. — SG