Ukraine breaks ground on advanced AP1000 nuclear reactors with U.S. support
Ukraine's national energy operator Energoatom and the American company Westinghouse have initiated the construction of two new nuclear reactors at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in western Ukraine, employing the advanced AP1000 technology, Interfax-Ukraine reported on April 15.
The project launch ceremony took place at the Khmelnytskyi NPP site with the participation of U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Halushchenko.
Read also: Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant's unit restored to full capacity
Petro Kotin, acting Chairman of the Board of Energoatom, described the AP1000 as a "proven Generation III reactor with unique fully passive safety systems and modular standard design," noting its industry-leading performance and operational flexibility. "This is a more modern and safer technology than the ones we are currently operating," Kotin emphasized.
Patrick Fragman, President and CEO of Westinghouse Electric Company, expressed pride in participating in what he termed the "wedding of the year" for the energy sector. He highlighted the technological advantages of the AP1000, pointing out its compact design, cost efficiency, and the readiness of heavy equipment which will expedite the construction process. "Thanks to the assistance of the U.S. government and the fact that the main agreements have been signed, it will be even faster," Fragman said.
The AP1000 reactor is designed to operate for 60 years, but it is likely to be longer, Fragman added.
Read also: Westinghouse reactor set to boost Ukraine’s Khmelnytskyi NPP output by 2029
"A special feature of the American AP 1000 technology is the ability to balance the units," Minister Halushchenko said.
“Today, the enemy is attacking and destroying the balancing capacities of the Ukrainian energy sector, so the construction of units with the ability to maneuver is very important for us.”
U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink also praised the progress made.
"This is a project for the next many years," said the diplomat.“The United States is committed to fruitful cooperation with Ukraine... Together with the U.S. Congress, we are trying to support you not only in the context of armed aggression, but also economically.”
Regarding the sources of funding for the project, Kotin said the company could finance it on its own, as it has large profits, but the lion's share of them goes to cover the electricity tariff for households.
"Last year, Energoatom spent 128 billion hryvnias ($3.2 billion) of net profit on ISO (imposed special obligations -ed.)," Energoatom head said.
“If the company is exempted from ISO, we will have $3 billion of profit for which we can build a unit. If not, we will need to take out loans.”
The construction period for one unit is approximately 4-5 years, and its cost is about $5 billion.
Energoatom and Westinghouse signed a memorandum on the construction of five nuclear reactors in Ukraine back in September 2021.
The companies signed agreements in early June 2022 to increase the number of nuclear power units to be built using AP 1000 technology in Ukraine from five to nine units and to establish a Westinghouse engineering and technical center in the country.
The companies signed a contract in July 2022 to develop an updated feasibility study for the construction of two AP1000 units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP in Ukraine.
Ukraine, with the support of the United States and other partners, intends to start construction of large units for nuclear power plants in 2024.
Read also: Energy Ministry discloses details of Ukraine-Westinghouse project
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