Strategic Step Toward the Future of Energy
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has begun developing the first national Roadmap for the implementation of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, marking a key milestone in the modernization of the country’s energy system.
The initiative aligns with the government’s energy strategy until 2050 and is intended to serve as both a technological and legal foundation for introducing next-generation nuclear technologies in Ukraine.
Amid wartime challenges, nuclear energy remains the backbone of national energy stability, while globally, the sector is experiencing a renaissance as a clean and reliable source of power critical for decarbonization.
Roadmap Development and Key Participants
The Working Group under the Ministry of Energy has already defined the structure and main priorities of the future document.
Participants include representatives from the government, energy companies, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and specialized nuclear and industrial institutions.
First Deputy Minister of Energy Artem Nekrasov noted that the Roadmap’s creation is part of the government’s 2025 priority actions — specifically, to launch Ukraine’s first modular reactor projects.
What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?
SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with an electric capacity of up to 400 MW, which is several times smaller than that of traditional nuclear units.
Their modular design allows for flexible construction, scalability, and easier deployment — from industrial zones to remote regions.
Such reactors can be built faster, have enhanced safety systems, and are ideal for replacing outdated thermal power plants (TPPs) or powering large industrial consumers.
International Cooperation and Pilot Projects
Ukraine is already collaborating with the U.S. Department of State under the FIRST program (Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology).
Two pilot initiatives are currently underway:
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Phoenix Project – assessing the feasibility of installing SMRs on the sites of decommissioned thermal power plants.
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Hephaestus Project – exploring the potential of SMRs for metallurgical modernization and other energy-intensive industries.
These projects will determine the optimal placement, economic models, and industrial applications for modular reactors within Ukraine’s energy grid.
Legal Framework and Investment Attraction
The Ministry emphasizes that the Roadmap is being developed in parallel with a new draft law on SMRs, already registered in the Verkhovna Rada.
This legislation aims to:
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Establish a clear legal framework for SMR deployment.
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Simplify licensing and permitting procedures.
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Enable public-private partnerships and foreign investment in the nuclear sector.
Together, the Roadmap and the new law will become practical instruments for implementing Ukraine’s energy strategy until 2050, ensuring that the country transitions to a low-carbon, high-efficiency power model.
Expected Outcomes
According to First Deputy Minister Nekrasov, the Roadmap will:
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Define the phased development and deployment of SMRs.
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Coordinate the efforts of government agencies, scientific institutions, and industry.
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Ensure public transparency and safety during siting and construction.
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Provide a clear path for investors and international partners to participate in Ukraine’s nuclear modernization.
Conclusion
The launch of Ukraine’s SMR Roadmap marks a strategic turning point in national energy planning.
By integrating innovation, nuclear safety, and international cooperation, the Ministry of Energy aims to lay the groundwork for a clean, stable, and sovereign energy future — one in which small modular reactors play a central role in powering Ukraine’s post-war recovery and long-term sustainability.
