MOSCOW, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Russia and the United States will study removing high-grade uranium from Russian reactors to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, a Russian official says.
"Together we've done a great deal in returning fuel from third countries. But it is right that we set an example in our countries, too," Sergei Kiriyenko, head of Russia's nuclear agency, said Tuesday as he signed the deal with U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman in Moscow, The Moscow Times reported.
Russia has half of the world's estimated 120 to 130 research reactors fueled by weapons-grade uranium. The United States is leading a global campaign to convert reactors to less-enriched fuel to prevent material reaching terrorists.
This is the first time Russia has promised to replace weapons-grade fuel in its own reactors. Russia and the United States have focused on repatriating fuel from third countries with more vulnerable facilities.
Kiriyenko said the studies would look at the economic effects of converting six reactors to low-grade fuel.
Last week Russia opened the first uranium bank that will operate under the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is intended to guarantee of a supply of nuclear fuel that will dissuade other countries from pursuing enrichment. The United States will build a similar bank.
