The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Raphael Grosssey has expressed full support for Ukraine's decision to complete the construction of two nuclear power units at Khmelnytsky NPP. During his visit to Ukraine, he stressed that it was a "wise and timely decision", taking into account the strategic role of nuclear energy in supporting Ukraine's economy during the war.
“Nuclear energy has become the spine of Ukraine's economy in the most difficult period. We consider the completion of blocks a wise decision, ”Grossi said.
The Khmelnitsky NPP unit # 3 is ready by 80%, and block №4 - by 25%. Significant efforts and investments are made to this project. In April, the Government of Ukraine approved the plan of completion of the station, and, according to preliminary estimates, the unit # 3 should be connected to the network within three years.
At a meeting with Raphael Gross, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that the issue of completion is extremely important for the stability of the country's power system.
“The ball is now on the side of the Ukrainian Parliament. We all understand how important it is to complete this project as soon as possible, ”Zelensky said.
The IAEA has already started analytical work on the safety of future blocks and is ready to provide technical support at all stages of implementation of the project.
“Of course, the agency is ready to help Ukraine. We are already working on analytics and assessment of the safety of these blocks, ”Grossi added.
Completing the construction of units # 3 and # 4 will be an important step to strengthen Ukraine's energy independence. Nuclear power, which now provides a considerable part of the country's electricity, will receive an additional resource for stability and development.
With the support of the IAEA and the political focus, Ukraine takes a strategic step towards strengthening its energy security, which is especially important in war.
