More than 200 attendees of the International Conference “Nuclear Opportunities for the Country’s Development: Wartime and Post-War Reconstruction,” held in Kyiv on October 15, 2024, reaffirmed the critical role of nuclear energy in Ukraine’s path to economic sustainability. Petro Kotin, acting CEO of Energoatom, highlighted the indispensable part nuclear power plays in securing the nation’s energy future.
“Amid the ongoing Russian aggression, nuclear power remains Ukraine’s only stable source of electricity and heat. Expanding our nuclear capacity and completing the construction of new reactors is not only essential but critical for the country’s future,” said Kotin.
Ukraine’s nuclear power sector now ranks second in Europe in terms of installed capacity, following France’s EDF. Timofiy Milovanov, a member of Energoatom’s Supervisory Board, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in keeping Ukraine’s energy grid stable during the war. He also praised Energoatom for breaking free from its dependence on Russian nuclear supplies and for successfully preparing all nine reactors under Ukraine’s control for the upcoming winter.
“Fifteen years ago, Ukraine’s nuclear industry was largely dependent on Russia. Today, that’s completely changed, thanks to Energoatom. Despite the war, they’ve managed to complete a record-setting maintenance campaign and get all reactors ready for winter,” said Milovanov.
In his video message, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his support for Ukraine’s nuclear sector. He promised ongoing assistance for expanding the country’s nuclear capacity, particularly with new projects at the Khmelnitsky NPP.
“Ukraine is poised to regain its position as one of the largest nuclear energy producers in Europe. We must ensure this vital source of power is protected both now and in the post-war period,” Grossi stated.
Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco, stressed the growing partnership between his company and Energoatom. “We are honored to play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine’s energy independence. Our partnership includes a full supply of nuclear fuel for Energoatom and technical assistance for Ukraine’s uranium production,” Gitzel said. He added that Cameco is also prepared to help Ukraine build new reactors.
Riaz Awan, Vice President of Holtec International, acknowledged Energoatom’s resilience: “No other nuclear operator in the world has faced the challenges that Energoatom has. Despite constant attacks on the country’s infrastructure, they continue to operate reactors and supply power.” Awan reiterated Holtec’s commitment to its small modular reactor (SMR) projects with Energoatom, despite the challenges of war.
Today, nine reactors at three Ukrainian nuclear power plants are operational. However, Europe’s largest plant, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, remains shut down due to its occupation by Russian forces in March 2022. The plant has since been converted into a military base, in violation of international nuclear safety standards.
