Main image by Škoda JS
Plzeň-based Škoda JS, part of the ČEZ group, has delivered eight new drives for the reactors of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. This support helps ensure a stable electricity supply in the war-torn country, according to the company's spokesperson, Karel Samec, as reported by Novinky.
A leading European company has completed the shipment.
"Due to repeated Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, we are only now reporting the order, after we unloaded the last shipment at its destination," explained spokesperson Karel Samec.
This involved 8 new drives for two VVER 440 reactors.
"They ensure stable reactor performance and allow its regulation," the spokesperson outlined. Rivne is one of Ukraine's four nuclear power plants. "It is located near the borders with Poland and Belarus. Recently, a company from the ČEZ group, ÚJV Řež, manufactured and delivered a special cable to reinforce the reactor's protective building. It weighs thirteen tons and is 173 meters long," he described.
Under the contract, Škoda JS sent a total of 76 drives to the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant. Most of them have already been installed and are in operation.
"The remaining ones are ready to replace the original ones, whose lifespan has expired," Samec explained. He added that they cannot disclose the financial volume of the contract as they do not have permission from the customer.
The plants urgently need the new drives. Postponing their replacement is only possible if the local nuclear safety authority permits it. According to Samec, the importance of seamless operation has increased following repeated Russian attacks on most fossil or hydropower sources.
Petr Altschul, Commercial Director at Škoda JS, noted that the company is paradoxically now the only manufacturer in the world able to supply this type of drive to Ukrainian nuclear power plants, as others are now only from Russia.
The company is negotiating another contract regarding a modernized version of the control rod drives for the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant.
"We expect to sign the contract next year," said Altschul.
They are also active in expanding the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant with additional VVER units. According to Samec, their experience from the completion and commissioning of the Slovak Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant will help them.
The original order for 76 units was placed back in 2019. However, complications arose due to the pandemic and then the war. Additional difficulties were caused by Škoda JS having a Russian owner until June 2022, and Ukraine applying anti-Russian sanctions.
"It was only after ČEZ took over the company and Škoda JS was removed from the sanctions list that the final agreement was possible," Samec concluded.
