Ukrainian city near Chornobyl to open nuclear science hub

A North Ukraine Nuclear Science Hub will be built in Slavutych, Kyiv region.

The Energoatom state nuclear operator reported this in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.

What is the problem?

The Ukrainian nuclear sector has been under threat throughout the entire Russian invasion, started by the aggressor country in February 2022. Russian troops occupied the Chornobyl nuclear power plant for a month, making damages worth UAH 2.5 million.

According to Energoatom, it is necessary to involve the international scientific community and increase the attention of world scientists to the problems of Ukraine, especially in the context of the further development of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by Russian forces.

What is the solution?

The North Ukraine Nuclear Science Hub in Slavutych, which is only 50 km away from Chornobyl, will accelerate the development of nuclear energy in Ukraine with the participation of international partners.

The purpose of the hub is to create conditions to develop scientific and business components of nuclear energy in Ukraine and to search for solutions for the development of green energy.

How does it work?

The hub will allow combining the efforts of research institutes, educational institutions, and energy companies to create new projects for nuclear power plants, solve the problem of the safety of their operation, and develop related infrastructure.

It is planned to launch a digital simulator of nuclear reactors of the future based on the institution. The construction of such a center will contribute to the development of the Chornobyl NPP, finding ways to use alienated territories further, developing green energy based on a closed power plant, considering projects for the preservation and disposal of nuclear waste generated as a result of the operation of Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

With the involvement of interested parties, the Regional Development Agency and the city government of Slavutych will implement the project.

The North Ukraine Nuclear Science Hub is to be located in the Slavutych Center for Professional Development building.

To ensure the full functioning of the building, it is necessary to repair the roof, reconstruct the internal premises, and completely update communications and heating systems. The next step will be permanently acquiring the required equipment for research activities, conferences, and specialists' work.