Boost amid crisis: Ukraine plans two new reactors despite opposition

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

Minister Herman Halushchenko stated that Ukraine intends to expand the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. To do this, two Russian VVER-1000 reactors, currently stored in Bulgaria, are needed. Notably, 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 reinforce the power grid, which has been damaged due to Russian attacks. They also question whether the outdated reactors can be quickly implemented and whether the money could be better spent on other energy sources, including renewables. There are also concerns that costs will increase, and the project could become a potential avenue for corruption.

The Ukrainian energy minister highlighted that the country's system is withstanding the strain caused by Russian attacks due to the energy generated by nuclear power plants.

Taking that into account, we need more generation, even in the recovery and especially after the war. We understand that any kind of nuclear project takes years, so we need to start as quickly as we can, especially in this situation where we have the building constructed and ready - explained German Galushchenko.

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