Ukraine’s Atomic Power Needs Grow
New Nuclear Reactors to Decrease Energy Dependence on Russia
Attempting to secure their energy independence, Ukraine plans to increase nuclear power production, ignoring the consequences of the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl Plant.
Ukraine's usage of nuclear power began in 1977 when the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant's RBMK-1000 style Reactor 1 went online. After the accident, the plant's remaining three reactors were shutdown, including the last one in 2000. Despite dealing with the after-effects of the catastrophe, the country's nuclear program has remained relatively stable throughout its 15 year independence from the former Soviet Union.
Currently, there are 15 nuclear reactors functioning at four different nuclear power plants across the country. The plants are Khmelnytsky in the southwest with two reactors, Rovno in the northwest with four reactos, South Ukraine in the south-central region with three reactors, and Zaporozhe in the southeast with six reactors. All reactors are Russian VVER (Vodno-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reactor) types. The VVER is a pressurized water reactor, water cooled and water moderated. This differs from the old RBMK reactors that are water cooled and graphite moderated.
Operational Nuclear Plants/Reactors
The following is a list of the 15 current reactors operating in Ukraine according to a report from the World Nuclear Association. Under the name of each facility is a list of their reactors along with the reactor type, net power capability, and start date for each. The start date is the beginning of commercial operations.
Khmelnytsky
- Khmelnytsky-1 (V-320): 950 MWe - Aug 1988
- Khmelnytsky-2 (V-320): 950 MWe - late 2004?
Rovno
- Rovno-1 (V-213): 402 MWe - Sep 1981
- Rovno-2 (V-213): 416 MWe - Jul 1982
- Rovno-3 (V-320): 950 MWe - May 1987
- Rovno-4 (V-320): 950 MWe - late 2004?
South Ukraine
- South Ukraine-1 (V-302): 950 MWe - Oct 1983
- South Ukraine-2 (V-338): 950 MWe - Apr 1985
- South Ukraine-3 (V-320): 950 MWe - Dec 1989
Zaporozhe
- Zaporozhe-1 (V-320): 950 - Dec 1985
- Zaporozhe-2 (V-320): 950 - Feb 1986
- Zaporozhe-3 (V-320): 950 - Mar 1987
- Zaporozhe-4 (V-320): 950 - Apr 1988
- Zaporozhe-5 (V-320): 950 - Oct 1989
- Zaporozhe-6 (V-320): 950 - Sep 1996
Decrease Dependence on Russian Energy
The Ukrainian government desperately wishes to lessen their reliance on Russia for their energy needs. In the past, Russia had deeply discounted oil and gas purchases by countries that used to make up the former Soviet Union. However, in the last two years, Russia has begun to raise their prices, with the goal of having costs equate to market levels by 2011. This policy has led to disputes with Ukraine in January 2006, and Belarus in January 2007.
Future Growth of Ukraine's Nuclear Industry
Nuclear power currently accounts for approximately half of Ukraine's energy needs. In 2006, the government approved a new nuclear power strategy that calls for the building of 11 new reactors by 2030. This is expected to double the country's nuclear capacity. Along with this new strategy, the government has set up a new national nuclear industry company named Ukratomprom that will report directly to the Energy Ministry and cabinet. This company consists of six state-owned enterprises including the nuclear power utility Energoatom. The new strategy also calls for the construction of an enrichment plant, fuel fabrication facilities, and facilities to store spent fuel.
References
World Nuclear Association. "Nuclear Power in Ukraine." June 2007.
