Ukraine’s parliament has passed a law enabling the state nuclear power operator to acquire two Russian-made nuclear reactors from Bulgaria.
Nuclear power plays a crucial role in Ukraine, supplying more than half of the country’s electricity. This move aims to bolster the Khmelnytskyi power plant’s capacity.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The Khmelnytskyi plant, one of three operational nuclear facilities in Ukraine-controlled regions, is undergoing expansion to mitigate the loss of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian control.
The reactors, VVER-1000 models, have been unused for 15 years and are part of Bulgaria’s offer, which includes additional equipment for the Ukrainian plant, as reported by The Kyiv Independent.
While the law does not disclose the contract’s value, Ukrainian officials have cited a previous Bulgarian quote of $600m for the reactors.
The law was passed despite opposition from some politicians who criticised the opaque pricing and the purchase of Russian equipment amid the ongoing conflict.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataUkrainian authorities argue that the acquisition will expedite the launch of the new units by 2027/28 and mitigate the nation’s power deficits caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, as reported by Reuters.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the parliamentary approval for the reactors with more than 2GW capacity as a “major step” towards re-inforcing Ukraine’s energy security.
Zelenskyy also noted the potential for the expanded nuclear capacity to support special projects, including a US initiative to develop rare earth elements.
The expansion of the Khmelnytskyi plant is part of Ukraine’s strategy to compensate for damaged thermal and hydroelectric power sources and to reduce the frequency of emergency shutdowns.
The construction of the third and fourth reactors at Khmelnytskyi had begun in the 1980s but was halted following the Chornobyl nuclear disaster in 1986.
