Ukraine to expand Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant amidst controversy
According to Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, due to Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, the Ukrainian government plans to add two additional reactors at the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine intends to import the Russian reactors from Bulgaria.
The Politico portal wrote on Tuesday that despite opposition from some deputies, including those from the presidential Servant of the People party, the Ukrainian government will push through the plan to spend hundreds of millions of pounds on ageing 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. To emphasise: Russia would not receive money from Ukraine for these devices, as they belong to the Bulgarians, who purchased them over ten years ago.
Expansion of the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Many questions and doubts
Critics of the controversial plan emphasise that there are quicker ways to strengthen the power grid, which has been damaged due to Russian attacks. They also question whether the outdated reactors can be swiftly put into operation and if the money could be better spent on other energy sources, including renewables. They also fear that costs will increase and the project could become an opportunity for corruption.
The Ukrainian energy minister stressed that the country's system withstands the burden of Russian attacks thanks to the energy generated by nuclear power plants.Halushchenko explains that Ukraine needs to generate more energy, even during the reconstruction period and especially after the war ends. Every nuclear project takes years, so they must start as soon as possible.
He assured the government would convince undecided deputies to push the project through. Currently, two reactors are operating at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant.
