Eco-solutions: Ukrainian power plants destroyed by russia replaced with green reactors

As part of the "green transition," Ukraine is considering the possibility of installing 20 small modular reactors (SMRs) instead of thermal power generation units destroyed by russian shelling.

Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated this during a visit to one of the energy companies, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

What is the problem?

The russian army continues to destroy the country's energy infrastructure.

It should be noted that recently, on March 9, the russian occupying forces launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine; 13 regions came under fire: the objects of critical infrastructure were damaged.

At the time, the russian army fired five rockets in the Zaporizhzhia region alone: all of them hit critical infrastructure.

Restoration of destroyed power units is very challenging and expensive and also takes a lot of time.

What is the solution?

According to Petro Kotin, president of Enerhoatom State Enterprise (a state enterprise operating all four nuclear power plants in Ukraine – ed.), SMRs are very promising for Ukraine. And at the moment, nuclear scientists, together with the Ministry of Energy, are working out many programs with various global companies that develop small modular reactor technologies.

"This is the best option for replacing thermal generation. We will move within the "green transition" framework using SMR technology as it is the best technology," Halushchenko stated.

How does it work?

"Enerhoatom" currently cooperates with the American Westinghouse, which offers its AP-300 reactor, NuScale and Holtec International, the British RolIs Royce, and several other companies with which relevant memoranda have been signed to develop SMR projects.

"Currently, a sufficient number of companies are working on this topic, offering their projects. We are trying to monitor everything that is happening in this area. And we keep everything under control, and as soon as the technology with which we can move is determined, we will move to the plane of practical implementation." – the head of "Enerhoatom," Petro Kotin, added.

As reported, in September 2021, Enerhoatom and NuScale signed a memorandum on cooperation in constructing small modular reactors in Ukraine.

Also, in November 2022, the special representative of the US president on climate issues, John Kerry, and the Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Halushchenko, announced the start of a pilot project for the implementation of SMRs in Ukraine in partnership with the USA, Japan and the Republic of Korea for the production of hydrogen and ammonia.

As the Ukrainian minister stated then, the project can be implemented within two to three years.

As Rubryka wrote, Enerhoatom State Enterprise is considering the possibility of placing sites for small modular reactors near the city of Slavutych in the Kyiv region.

It is noted that Slavutych is ready for new nuclear projects, particularly as a site for creating an educational hub for training personnel for the nuclear energy industry and a training center.