This groundbreaking development was reported by Energoatom's press service.
The new unit, dubbed KhAES-5, marks a significant shift in Ukraine's nuclear power industry, transitioning from Soviet-era technology to modern American nuclear technology. Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko emphasized the strategic importance of the AR1000 technology, which allows for enhanced maneuverability of power blocks. This feature is crucial given the current challenges posed by targeted attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by adversaries. "This is our answer to terrorists—they will never deprive us of light, and new technologies will enable us to endure. This is a major geopolitical project of common interest to Ukraine and the United States," Galushchenko stated during the ceremony.
The Khmelnytskyi NPP, located at the confluence of Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, and Ternopil regions, currently operates two VVER-1000 reactors with a combined capacity of 2,000 MW. The plant's expansion plans include completing two partially built VVER-1000 units (KHAES-3 and KHAES-4) and constructing two additional high-capacity units (KHAES-5 and KHAES-6) using the AP1000 technology from Westinghouse, each capable of producing up to 1,200 MW.
If these developments proceed as planned, the total capacity of the Khmelnytskyi NPP will exceed 6,000 MW, positioning it as the largest nuclear power facility in Europe.
The event also featured remarks from the US ambassador Bridget Brink, acting Chairman of the Board of Energoatom Petro Kotin, and Patrick Fragman, General Director of Westinghouse Electric Company. Fragman highlighted the benefits of this partnership, noting, "With this event, we are opening a new stage, a new milestone in the cooperation between Westinghouse and Energoatom. Ukraine will receive energy that is clean, affordable, and with the use of economically feasible technologies. This project will also create many jobs during construction, operation, repairs, and maintenance."
This initiative not only enhances Ukraine's energy resilience but also fosters deeper industrial and geopolitical ties between Ukraine and the United States.
