The Khmelnytskyi NPP is scheduled to build two new units and install two AP1000 reactors, making this nuclear power plant the largest in Europe, Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko said in an interview.
“We intend to resume work on the third and fourth reactors, which were previously partially built. We plan to complete the construction. As for the third unit, construction readiness is already very high, and we are negotiating with Bulgarian partners to obtain the appropriate reactor vessels. I am confident that we will be able to quickly put this unit into operation,” the minister said.
As for the fifth and sixth units, a new technology is being considered - the AP1000 reactors of the American company Westinghouse. "We have already signed a relevant contract, received equipment for the first circuit and plan to start construction. To start work, we need to go through legislative procedures," Galushchenko added.
The minister also noted that a relevant government bill 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. Currently, the Zapadnaya NPP is one of them, but we do not know in what condition we will get it back and how much money will be needed to restore it,” the minister noted.
According to Galushchenko, the third unit at Kherson NPP is already highly prepared for construction: “If we imagine that tomorrow we received the building on the site, then in about two and a half years the reactor will be connected to the system.”.
"This is very important, since usually projects in nuclear energy are implemented over a period of five years or more. We have advantages, since certain works have already been completed, and we have qualified personnel who can do it. During Ukraine's independence, we built two nuclear units. Therefore, we have the necessary specialists. Many other countries that are planning to develop nuclear energy today 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 Khmelnytskyi NPP. Construction of Unit No. 3 began in September 1985, and Unit No. 4 in June 1986. Both units are designed for a capacity of 1,000 MW, with a VVER-1000/B-320 reactor. 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 Khmelnytskyi NPP using Westinghouse AP1000 technology was signed by Energoatom President Petro Kotin and Westinghouse Electric Company President and CEO Patrick Fragman on December 17, 2023.
