Preparations for the construction of KhNPP-5 and KhNPP-6 using Westinghouse AR1000 technology are underway at Khmelnytsky NPP. Preparatory work for the construction of cooling towers for future power units has recently begun at the plant's construction site, UNN reports with reference to the Ministry of Energy.
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The project launching ceremony was attended by Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, Acting Chairman of the Board of Energoatom Petro Kotin, and President and CEO of Westinghouse Electric Company Patrick Fragman.
"This is a major geopolitical project of common interest for Ukraine and the United States. The technologies that we will build and develop together will push Russians out of the European nuclear energy market," emphasized Herman Halushchenko.
The Energy Minister reminded that in cooperation with Ukrainian specialists, Westinghouse produced a new type of nuclear fuel in record time, which broke the Russian monopoly on the market.
"This was the first step. Now we are making the second one to push the Russians out of the markets through cooperation in the construction of a new type of reactor for Europe - AR 1000. This is the beginning of our great path to new victories," the Minister said.
The head of the Ministry of Energy emphasized that the AR 1000 is a state-of-the-art technology with an important feature of maneuverability.
"A special feature of the American AR 1000 technology is the ability to maneuver the units. Today, the enemy is attacking and destroying the balancing capacities of the Ukrainian energy sector, so the construction of maneuverable units is very important for us. This is our response to the terrorists, they will never deprive us of electricity, and new technologies will allow us to survive," the minister said.
Ambassador Brigid Brink, in turn, emphasized that the United States will continue to support Ukraine in countering Russian aggression until the war is won: "Energy independence is vital to Ukraine's security, and nuclear power provides more than half of its electricity needs. Last week at the Khmelnytsky Nuclear Power Plant, we marked the first step in the construction of 9 modern, safe nuclear reactors that will replace Soviet-era equipment.
Petro Kotin said that after the construction of new power units at Khmelnytsky NPP is completed, the plant's capacity will exceed even that of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya NPP, which is currently the largest in Europe.
"KhNPP No. 5 will be the first nuclear power unit in Europe to be built using the American AR 1000 technology. It is very important to modernize the Ukrainian nuclear power industry, in particular, given the reduction of thermal and hydro generation in the country caused by the destruction caused by Russian missile attacks", - said the head of Energoatom.
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According to the Ministry of Energy, a feasibility study has been developed and approved for the construction. A draft law is currently being prepared for further consideration by the Government and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. AP 1000 technology is licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.