14.11.2024
Ukraine and the United States are actively discussing the completion of the third and fourth power units of the Khmelnytskyi NPP. Energy Club Vice President Ivan Hryhoruk spoke about the project’s prospects and possible formats of cooperation on the air of the “United News” telethon.
Ukraine is taking strategic steps to strengthen its energy independence, focusing on the completion of the third and fourth power units of the Khmelnytskyi NPP. According to Ivan Hryhoruk, Vice President of the Energy Club, various formats of cooperation with the United States are being considered, including technology transfer, credit lines, and the creation of a joint venture.
“It is impossible to say what format it is at the moment, because the negotiation process is ongoing. But I am sure that even the three formats you listed are possible: technological, financing, and support in the implementation of engineering support,” Ivan Hryhoruk noted.
One of the key aspects of the project is the possible use of two nuclear units currently located in Bulgaria. According to the expert, these reactors, manufactured using Soviet technology, can be transferred to Ukraine for the completion of the Khmelnytskyi NPP. In turn, Bulgaria will have the opportunity to build new power units using modern Westinghouse technologies.
“Today, Ukraine has a fairly extensive experience in converting its VVER-1000 nuclear reactors to Westinghouse fuel. In fact, it has been successfully used in our country for many years at various stations… Therefore, in principle, it will be such a hybrid combination: the technologies of the Soviet VVER-1000 are taken as the basis, and the fuel elements used will be of American production,” the expert explained.
According to preliminary estimates by Energoatom, the launch of the new units of the Khmelnytskyi NPP may take place 3-5 years after the conclusion of the cooperation agreement. The cost of the project is estimated at about $2 billion, which will probably be raised from foreign partners.
For the United States, this project is beneficial in terms of expanding the market and reducing Russia’s influence, emphasized Ivan Hryhoruk.
