[en] A considerable part of the Russian Federation territory falls in the regions of North and Far East, which occupy more than 60% of its total area. The consumers' power supply is primarily decentralized and some local demands for electric and thermal energy do not exceed 100-150 MW. Thus in the Russian Federation there is a large market for power sources including small nuclear power plants (SNPP). The fundamental reorganization of social and political system as well as restructuring of the economy in the country require the revision of those plans and intentions of constructing SNPPs that were set previously. At the same time both in the past and today, it is clear that in the XXIst Century the unique fossil and regenerative natural resources of northern and eastern regions of the Russian Federation will be in intensive demand. Therefore the principal targets and prerequisites for developing small nuclear power in our country remain the same. (author)