CAGAYAN DE ORO—Publicly listed A Brown Company Inc. (ABCI) and RUSATOM Healthcare, a division of Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM, signed a framework agreement on the construction of network of irradiation centres in the Philippines. ABCI President and CEO Roel Z. Castro signed the document along with Deputy General Director of RUSATOM Healthcare Rustam Rakhmatulin, pursuant to the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by ABCI and RUSATOM International Network, another ROSATOM subsidiary, on June 20, 2017 in Moscow.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Philippines Igor A. Khovaev and President of Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry George T Barcelon during the 26th Mindanao Business Conference held on September 9 at Xavier Estates. Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was the keynote speaker at the conference.
The agreement aims to affirm the commitment of both parties to move towards project execution.
It outlines the stages of project implementation: feasibility studies, design and engineering surveys, construction and commissioning, and the prospect of expansions. Upon completion of the necessary procedures, feasibility studies are expected to begin by end of 2017, design, engineering surveys and construction of the centre in 2018.
The center will provide commercial services of product treatment with ionizing radiation. It will also serve as a research platform for radiation technology and its impact on various product properties.
Agricultural irradiation involves treating produce with a low dosage of ionizing radiation to eliminate bacteria and germs, prevent the spread of pests, and delay or prevent ripening or spoiling during transit and storage. The process reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses and increases longevity and shelf life. Since there is no direct contact with the radiation source, irradiated food does not become radioactive.
Castro expressed his confidence in the project, while acknowledging the importance of information campaigns and activities to enhance public awareness about nuclear technologies. “These technologies unlock exciting opportunities for various industries,” said Castro. “They help to save foods and modify materials for industrial solutions. A Brown’s experience in infrastructure project development and agribusiness, combined with ROSATOM’s experience in nuclear technology as well as the continued support of the Duterte government, will help to further drive innovations in the country.”
Denis Cherednichenko, CEO of RUSATOM Healthcare shared this sentiment. “ROSATOM offers a turn-key solution in radiation technologies, which will include the design and construction of the irradiation centers, manufacturing and delivery of equipment, training of personnel, and commissioning of the center. With our more than 70 years of experience in the nuclear field, we hope the technologies we offer will contribute to the sustainable development of the Philippines,” he said.
A Brown Company Inc. is a key player in real estate and agribusiness in Southern Philippines with investments in mining, infrastructure, and energy, including the 2x135MW coal-fired Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC) in Iloilo and the 55MW bunker-fired Peakpower Energy Inc. serving various electric utilities in General Santos, Agusan del Sur, and part of Bukidnon. Hydro Link Projects Corp. is developing a hydropower plant in Surigao del Sur. AB Bulk Water Company, Inc. is a bulk water supply project in Opol, Misamis Oriental in partnership with the local government.
ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation is the Russian Federation’s national nuclear corporation that comprises of more than 300 nuclear industry companies and institutions. With over 70 years of experience in the field of nuclear technology, ROSATOM works on a global scale to provide comprehensive nuclear services that range from uranium enrichment to nuclear power plant construction as one of the global leaders in nuclear industry. ROSATOM has a strong focus on applied research and innovations and invests 4.5% of its annual revenues into R&D projects. The technologies of the Russian nuclear industry have been used to build over 120 research reactors globally.
Through its division RUSATOM Healthcare, ROSATOM provides the development and production of equipment and radionuclide products for nuclear medicine and medical radiology, as well as industrial equipment and turnkey solutions for the industry and agriculture based on radiation technologies.
RUSATOM International Network is an industry complex under the governance of ROSATOM State Corporation with a mission to develop and manage a network of ROSATOM regional centres. The company is comprised of 11 regional centres. The main tasks of the company and its regional centres are to seek new opportunities to expand business, promote Russian nuclear companies’ products and services globally.