Small Reactors Will Replace Thermal Power Plants: How Ukraine Will Transition to a New Energy Sector

According to hvylya.net: Artem Nekrasov, the First Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, expressed support for the implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the country as an important step in developing safe and low-carbon energy. A draft law on this was presented at a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services. The Ministry of Energy already has a working group and is collaborating with American partners on the implementation of two projects for the introduction of SMRs, considering this a promising direction for Ukraine's energy sector.

'The Ministry of Energy supports the idea of introducing SMRs in Ukraine. An interdepartmental working group has already been formed at the ministry, which includes many stakeholders. In cooperation with American partners, we are implementing two projects on the possibility of deploying SMRs at Ukrainian thermal power plants and large energy-intensive enterprises. The introduction of SMRs is a promising direction for safe and low-carbon energy in Ukraine, so the Ministry of Energy is ready to actively participate in the development of the provisions of the draft law'

The interdepartmental working group created at the Ministry of Energy will develop an Action Plan for the introduction of SMRs, which will examine international experience, infrastructure, staffing, and financial issues. In this process, an important role is allocated to cooperation with international partners, particularly the U.S. Department of State, which is helping to implement two SMR introduction projects under the FIRST program.

Conclusion

The implementation of small modular reactors in Ukraine is a promising path for the development of safe and low-carbon energy. The draft law and plans for the introduction of SMRs, being developed with the participation of domestic and international partners, signify a serious step toward modernizing the energy sector and increasing its stability in Ukraine.