Construction of two new units and installation of two AR1000 reactors are planned at the Khmelnytsky NPP, which will make this nuclear power plant the largest in Europe. This was stated by the Minister of Energy Herman Galushchenko in an interview.
"We intend to resume operations with the third and fourth reactors, which were previously partially built. We are planning to make an extension. As for the third unit, construction readiness is already very high, and we are negotiating with Bulgarian partners to obtain the appropriate reactor housings. I am sure that we will be able to quickly put this unit into operation," said the minister.
As for the fifth and sixth units, a new technology is being considered - reactors AR1000 of the American company Westinghouse. "We have already concluded the relevant contract, received the equipment for the first circuit and plan to start construction. In order to start work, you need to go through legislative procedures," Galushchenko added.
The minister also noted that a corresponding governmental draft law has already been developed.
"It will take some time, but when we complete the construction of these units, the Khmelnytskyi NPP will become the largest in Europe. Now the ZNPP is like that, but we don't know in what condition we will get it back and how much money will be needed for its restoration," the minister noted.
According to Galushchenko, the third unit at the Khao NPP is already highly ready for construction: "If we imagine that tomorrow we received the housing on the site, then in about two and a half years the reactor will be connected to the system."
"This is very important, because usually projects in nuclear energy are implemented for five years or more. We have an advantage because certain jobs have already been done and we have qualified personnel who can do it. During Ukraine's independence, we built two nuclear power plants. That is why we have the necessary specialists. Many other countries that today plan to develop nuclear power do not have such opportunities," he emphasized.
As reported, two power units with a nominal capacity of 1,000 MW each are currently operating at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. Construction of block #3 began in September 1985, and block #4 in June 1986. Both units are designed for a capacity of 1,000 MW, with a VVER-1000/B-320 reactor unit. The project was suspended in 1990 due to a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants.
The agreement on the purchase of equipment for the fifth power unit of the Khmelnytsky NPP using Westinghouse AR1000 technology was signed by Petro Kotin, president of Energoatom, and Patrick Fragman, president and chief executive officer of Westinghouse Electric Company, on December 17, 2023.
