Ukraine plans nuclear expansion despite aging reactor concerns

According to Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, due to Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, the Ukrainian government plans to install two additional reactors at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine intends to import the Russian reactors from Bulgaria.

The Politico portal wrote on Tuesday that despite opposition from some deputies, including those from the presidential Servant of the People party, the Ukrainian government will push through the plan to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on aging Russian-built nuclear reactors.

Minister Halushchenko stated that Ukraine aims to expand the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. For this, two Russian VVER-1000 reactors, currently stored in Bulgaria, are needed. Importantly, Russia would not receive money from Ukraine for these devices, as they belong to the Bulgarians, who purchased them over 10 years ago.

Critics of the controversial plan emphasize that there are faster ways to strengthen the power grid, which has been damaged due to Russian attacks. They also question whether the outdated reactors can be quickly put into operation and whether the money could be better spent on other energy sources, including renewable ones. Additionally, they fear that costs will increase and the project could become an opportunity for corruption.

The Ukrainian energy minister stressed that the country's system withstands the burden of Russian attacks thanks to the energy generated by nuclear power plants.

Considering this, we need to generate more, even during the reconstruction period and especially after the war ends. We realize that every nuclear project takes years, so we need to start as soon as possible, especially since we have a built and ready building, explained Halushchenko.

He assured the government that it would convince undecided deputies to support the project. Currently, two reactors are operational at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant.