Ukraine’s Joint Stock Company National Nuclear Energy Generating Company “Energoatom” and Holtec International signed a Master Agreement on April 12, 2024 that envisions rebuilding of Ukraine’s damaged energy generation infrastructure by establishing in-country manufacturing capabilities for production and fabrication of nuclear systems, structures, and components (SSCs) for advanced small modular reactors (SMR), spent nuclear fuel storage and transport systems, and other nuclear energy related application needs of Ukraine and its neighbors. Establishment of in-country infrastructure under this Agreement will render Ukraine autonomous in manufacturing of capital nuclear equipment, thus enhancing energy security of the country while also serving to meet the needs of other fraternal countries in the region.
The Master Agreement was signed by Energoatom Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Petro Kotin in Kyiv, and concurrently by Holtec International President and CEO Dr. Kris Singh in Camden, New Jersey. The Honorable Minister of Energy Mr. German Galushchenko also attended the signing ceremony. Other attendees included Mr. Shawn Anderson, U.S. Kyiv Embassy’s Department of Energy Office Director and Energy Attache, Mr. Denys Yehorov, Director of Energoatom International Cooperation Department, Mr. Riaz Awan, Holtec’s Vice President for Ukraine Operations, and a number of Holtec International’s executives, as well as representatives from various Ukrainian organizations, and local news media.
This agreement seeks to advance the deployment of Holtec SMR-300 Advanced Nuclear Reactors in Ukraine pursuant to the April 21, 2023 Cooperation Agreement signed by the two parties, and to support unimpeded reactor operations through a successfully deployed used fuel storage facility.
As set forth in the Master Agreement, a Working Group is being established to proceed with the work effort required for technical and other aspects in accordance with a comprehensive Implementation Plan.
The Honorable Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko noted: “Establishing in-country manufacturing capabilities for nuclear energy sector would not only contribute to the strengthening of the country’s energy security, but would also allow Ukraine to become a Global Leader in the field of Nuclear Energy. The document signed by Holtec and Ukraine would enable our country to become a regional hub for manufacturing, exports, training, and deployment of SMRs and for managing used fuel produced by our operating reactors while also accruing the multiple benefits of economic development and jobs creation and decarbonization and promotion of green energy future.”
The Honorable Petro Kotin, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Energoatom, a strong enthusiast of the manufacturing facility, made the following statement after signing the Cooperation Agreement, “The unjust russian[1] aggression has clearly demonstrated the vital importance of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector for our country’s energy security. Indeed, the continued reliable operations of our reactors is vital to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty in all essential aspects including the Nation’s Defense and our Economy. Energoatom strives to provide innovative leadership in clean energy through advanced technologies with a focus on concrete actions towards energy independence and reliable supply of energy for its citizenry and the industry. However, with almost all the fossil power plants having been damaged due to relentless russian1 bombings, Ukraine requires advanced nuclear technologies more than ever as our nuclear energy sector now has to shoulder more than 75 % of country’s electricity needs. The Master Agreement between Energoatom and Holtec International contemplates establishing the infrastructure for production and fabrication of nuclear systems, structures, and components for advanced small modular reactors, spent nuclear fuel storage and transport systems, and other nuclear energy related application needs of Ukraine. The introduction of advanced technologies and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Ukraine will be of great importance for the post-war economic recovery of our country. This Master Agreement will lead to a modern manufacturing and training facility which would spur economic development, create well-paying jobs, and pave the way for Ukraine’s emergence as the Regional Hub for Holtec’s SMR-300 and used fuel technology. Finally, this Master Agreement will play an important role in enhancing Ukraine’s energy security and advancing our country’s decarbonization, energy independence, and diversification goals.”
Mr. Shawn Anderson, U.S. Kyiv Embassy’s Department of Energy Office Director and Energy Attaché, emphasized “the crucial importance of energy independence and diversification in safeguarding Ukraine’s national, energy, and economic security. The recent signing of the Master Agreement marks a significant milestone as it paves the way for the establishment of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility aimed at localizing the production of equipment for Holtec SMRs, spent nuclear fuel storage and transport systems, and other nuclear energy-related necessities in Ukraine. This collaborative effort between Energoatom and Holtec International is not only a critical step but also an inspiring one that promises to enhance Ukraine’s national and energy security, thus bolstering its economy. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ukraine has admirably sustained power supply to its citizens and various sectors, thanks to the impeccable and steadfast operations of its nine nuclear reactors. It is essential to recognize and commend the courage, dedication, innovation, and professionalism of our Ukrainian counterparts who ensure the safe operation of these facilities.”
Holtec President and CEO Dr. Kris Singh called on the US Congress to help our besieged friend, stating “The signing of this Agreement has been preceded by russia’s[1] deadly strike last Thursday on the power plant that supplies power to the Kyiv region. Ukraine’s defenses, weakened by Congress’ inaction on the financial aid bill for the beleaguered nation, could not stop over a third of the incoming drones and missiles that leveled the power plant. With most of its fossil power plants destroyed, it is a chilling thought to contemplate how Ukrainians will fare next winter to heat their homes and keep their lights on. This is a dreadful situation which only the US Congress can keep from getting worse. The reconstruction of the country’s energy infrastructure must begin now to stop the jingoistic putin[1] from smothering Ukraine’s energy generation capacity altogether. To rebuild, Ukraine must be given access to the aggressor’s money held in Western banks which, as several legal scholars have opined, would be justifiable under international law. The time has come for the West to cast away the kid gloves approach to putin[1] and give the money and armaments to the brave Ukrainian nation that it so desperately needs to defend its land and rebuild its infrastructure.”
- This publication uses Ukraine’s preferred spelling of russia, russian, and putin. ↩︎
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