Ukraine has a certified supplier of nuclear fuel components: why it is important
9 May 12:49
The Westinghouse Electric Company has recognized Energoatom’s Atomenergomash branch as a qualified and approved supplier of nuclear fuel components – fuel assemblies (FA) – for VVER reactors. This was reported by the National Nuclear Energy Generating Company Energoatom, Komersant ukrainskyi reports.
As noted in the official certificate that Energoatom received from Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB, the quality system of Atomenergomash meets the requirements of Westinghouse. The qualification is valid until April 29, 2028.
What does this decision mean for the Ukrainian nuclear power industry?
“Another step has been taken towards the production of fuel assemblies in Ukraine, which is a significant achievement,” said Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin.
Earlier, the Ukrainian company received a license from Westinghouse to manufacture fuel rod shanks in Ukraine.
Energoatom reminded that its own line for the production of nuclear fuel assemblies is being created on the basis of a separate Energoatom unit. Already in 2027, the first Ukrainian fuel assembly will be loaded into the core of the power unit. In the future, NNEGC plans to provide itself with nuclear fuel by 50%, and the other half will be received from partners from Westinghouse.
Westinghouse has long been helping Ukraine achieve energy independence
The use of Westinghouse fuel at Ukrainian nuclear power units began even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Energoatom and Westinghouse signed a contract for the supply of VVER-440 nuclear fuel in September 2020. At the same time, the parties signed a protocol of intent to further explore the possibility of localizing the production of fuel assembly components in Ukraine.
And in September 2023, the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant loaded the first batch of nuclear fuel into the VVER-440 reactor, which was produced by Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB with the participation of Energoatom specialists.
Ukraine also plans to build nine Westinghouse reactors. On November 22, 2021, Energoatom and Westinghouse signed two cooperation agreements to implement a pilot project for the construction of AR1000 power units at the Khmelnytsky NPP site. on January 20, 2023, the Government approved the proposals of the Ministry of Energy to develop a feasibility study for the construction of a nuclear facility using the technical characteristics of the AR1000 reactor.
In December 2023, an agreement was signed on the purchase of equipment for Khmelnytskyi NPP Unit 5. It will be built using the American AR1000 technology.
In general, according to the decisions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and memorandums signed between SE NNEGC Energoatom and the American company Westinghouse Electric Company, it is planned to build 9 power units in Ukraine using the AR1000 technology.
Another area of cooperation is small modular reactors
Energoatom and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the Westinghouse AP300 small modular reactor in Ukraine.
In March 2023, Herman Halushchenko stated that as part of the “green” transition, Ukraine is considering the possibility of building up to 20 small modular reactors to replace the thermal generation units destroyed during the war.
The Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2050 envisages a transition to carbon-free energy, with nuclear generation as one of the basic sources. The introduction of small modular reactor technologies is defined as one of the priorities for the development of nuclear energy.
As you know, Westinghouse is a leading global supplier of safe and innovative nuclear technologies. Westinghouse has been advancing scientific and technological progress in the design and operation of nuclear power plants for over 60 years. The company currently employs 9,000 top professionals in 19 countries.
The company sees its mission as helping Ukraine achieve energy independence and decarbonization goals through nuclear energy.
