At the International Conference "Nuclear Opportunities for the Country's Development: Wartime and Post-War Reconstruction," held in Kyiv on October 15, 2024, over 200 participants confirmed the critical role of nuclear energy in ensuring Ukraine's economic resilience. Petro Kotin, acting CEO of Energoatom, underscored how essential nuclear power is for the nation’s energy stability.
“Nuclear energy is Ukraine’s only dependable source of electricity and heat amidst Russian aggression. The expansion of nuclear facilities and the construction of new reactors are not just priorities; they are crucial for the country’s future,” Kotin stated.
Kotin highlighted that Ukraine’s nuclear sector ranks second in Europe, trailing only France’s EDF in installed capacity. Timofiy Milovanov, a member of Energoatom's Supervisory Board, emphasized nuclear energy’s pivotal role in maintaining Ukraine’s energy security during the war. He lauded Energoatom's swift shift away from Russian dependency for nuclear fuel and equipment and for successfully preparing all nine reactors under Ukrainian control for the winter.
“Fifteen years ago, Ukraine’s nuclear sector was heavily reliant on Russia. Today, Energoatom has dramatically changed that,” said Milovanov. “Despite the ongoing war, our nuclear operator completed an unprecedented maintenance effort, preparing all reactors for the winter ahead.”
In a video message, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed confidence in Ukraine's nuclear energy renaissance. He affirmed continued international support for expanding nuclear capacity, particularly at the Khmelnitsky NPP.
“Ukraine will once again have one of the largest nuclear programs in Europe. Protecting this vital source of energy, now and in the post-war period, is crucial,” Grossi stressed.
Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco, emphasized the growing partnership with Energoatom. "We are proud to fully support Ukraine’s energy independence. Our partnership includes 100% fuel supply for Energoatom, along with technical support for uranium production," Gitzel explained. He added that Cameco stands ready to assist in building new reactors in Ukraine.
Riaz Awan, Vice President of Holtec International, praised Energoatom’s resilience: “No other nuclear operator in the world has dealt with the challenges Energoatom has faced. Despite missile and drone attacks, they continue to operate reactors and deliver power.” Awan reaffirmed Holtec's commitment to its SMR 300 modular reactor projects with Energoatom, even amidst wartime.
Although nine reactors across three Ukrainian plants are operational, the Zaporizhzhia NPP, Europe’s largest, remains offline. Since being seized by Russian forces in March 2022, it has been used as a military base, violating essential nuclear safety protocols.
About Energoatom
Energoatom, officially known as the National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine, is the state-owned operator of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Established to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient generation of nuclear power, Energoatom is a key player in Ukraine’s energy sector, providing nearly half of the country's electricity needs. With 15 reactors across four nuclear power plants, Energoatom ranks as Europe’s second-largest nuclear power generator by installed capacity.
Since the start of the conflict, Energoatom has not only maintained operations under challenging conditions but also expedited efforts to achieve full independence from Russian nuclear fuel and materials. In partnership with international companies like Westinghouse and Holtec International, Energoatom is advancing Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure to ensure long-term energy security, economic resilience, and alignment with international safety and environmental standards.
For more information, visit https://energoatom.com.ua.
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