Nuclear prospects: Kotin sees Ukraine as a hub for small modular reactor construction.

The Acting Chairman of the Board of NAEC 'Energoatom' Petro Kotin reported that Ukraine is actively working on the implementation of the small modular reactor project.

Kotin noted: 'Together with Holtec, we are actively working on the implementation of the small modular reactor project. The technology for producing components for these reactors will be transferred to Ukraine, as well as components for the centralized storage of spent nuclear fuel, which is already successfully operating in Ukraine using Holtec technology.'

The head of NAEC explained that small modular reactors have lower power, but they are easier to manufacture and can provide a high level of safety. Moreover, such reactors can be conveniently installed on-site after being manufactured at factories.

These reactors are an ideal option for areas with underdeveloped energy grids, where they can provide local electricity production. Kotin is confident that the establishment of such a plant will be possible within the next 5 years.

'Every year we produce about 50 billion kWh of electricity. This does not take into account the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant - the largest NPP in Europe. If we had it, production would be up to 100 billion kWh per year. Nuclear power plants are our resource. They are the basis of our stability and energy independence. The development of nuclear energy will contribute to the progress of the entire industry of Ukraine, including such a new direction as small modular reactors,' Kotin emphasized.