Westinghouse Fuel Now Powers the Majority of Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants

Westinghouse Fuel Transition Underway

According to Главком: Ukraine’s nuclear power plants are steadily shifting to fuel supplied by Westinghouse Electric Company, with the transition now spanning all of the country’s nuclear facilities. The Rivne Nuclear Power Plant became the first in Ukraine to operate all its reactors exclusively on Westinghouse fuel. At the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 3 has fully converted to this fuel, marking a key milestone in the broader project. Testing of American-made fuel at the South Ukraine plant first began back in 2005.

Current Status of Fuel Conversion

At the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, reactors are either partially or completely loaded with Westinghouse fuel, and the conversion process remains in an active phase. Some reactors are running in a mixed mode, using fuel from multiple suppliers. According to Andriy Kozyura, Director of the Khmelnytskyi plant,

“this is a gradual process; the fuel in the reactor core is replaced in portions-roughly one-quarter after each fuel campaign concludes. That is why not all reactors switch over at the same time.”

The next phase in Rivne’s cooperation with Westinghouse involves moving to an 18-month fuel cycle, which will boost fuel efficiency. In 2025, the Ukrainian company Atomenergomash received certification from Westinghouse Electric Company to supply nuclear fuel components. Additionally, in March 2025, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the construction of a plant to produce fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors-a significant step forward for the country’s nuclear energy sector.

The switch to Westinghouse fuel continues to be a central pillar of Ukraine’s energy policy, aimed at strengthening energy independence and security.

This transition is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on Russian nuclear fuel supplies. By partnering with Western firms like Westinghouse, Ukraine not only ensures stable energy deliveries but also invests in advanced technologies that can improve the efficiency of its nuclear power plants. The project’s implementation is expected to have a major impact on the country’s energy security and overall infrastructure.

The ongoing transition to Westinghouse fuel not only enhances the efficiency of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants but also aligns with broader energy strategies. In light of these developments, the recently connected Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant plays a crucial role in providing additional power supply, further bolstering the country's energy security amidst these significant changes.