The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed its support for Ukraine's plans to expand its nuclear energy sector, particularly the completion of units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, and is prepared to provide technical assistance for the project. During a meeting between Ukraine's Minister of Energy, Herman Halushchenko, and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, they discussed the details of this project as well as the protection of key energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
Herman Halushchenko mentioned that Ukraine is in the final stages of negotiations with Bulgaria regarding the supply of reactors. Construction can begin as soon as the Ukrainian parliament passes the relevant legislation. Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of this project and assured that the IAEA would support its implementation.
Grossi highlighted the significance of building new units and reiterated that the IAEA backs this initiative. He suggested launching a technical support mission to ensure the safe integration of new components into the existing systems, which, according to him, would enhance trust in the project's nuclear safety standards.
The Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (KhNPP) is located near the city of Netishyn in the Khmelnytskyi region. The plant currently has two power units equipped with VVER-1000 reactors. The first unit was commissioned in 1987, and the second in 2004.
Plans are underway to complete the construction of two additional units to increase the plant's capacity in response to challenges facing the energy system, caused by the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Currently, KhNPP provides a significant portion of electricity to western Ukraine and exports power to neighboring countries when the state of the energy system allows.
Previously, it was reported that one of the potential partners in completing the new units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP could be the American company Westinghouse. The United States has repeatedly expressed support for this project, with American companies keen to be involved in the process. Westinghouse recognizes that this partnership would also increase the volume of nuclear fuel that Ukraine would purchase from them.
