On the Rivne NPP plan replacement of the Russian nuclear reactors by the American

2017: Plan of implementation of small modular Holtec reactors

In February, 2017 it became known of construction plans on the NPP of Ukraine of new power units with modular reactors of the American Holtec International. The Rivne NPP can become 1st in Ukraine nuclear power station where construction of the new modular SMR-160 reactors developed by Holtec International will begin. On February 16, 2018 the president of Energoatom Yu. Nedashkovsky reported about it.

Energoatom is very interested in the project of small modular reactors from Holtec International. At this time the company together with Gosatomregulirovaniya of Ukraine and local representative office of Holtec International prepares the actions plan on a pilot project of implementation of 1 small modular reactors on the Rivne NPP.

Modular SMR-160 reactors are designed to replace with themselves the 1st and 2nd power units with the Russian VVER-440 reactors which by 2030 will fulfill the project resource. At this time new developments undergo the procedure of licensing in Canada. Positive outputs of the Canadian regulator will give to Holtec International the chance to begin construction in 2023-2024 for the Middle East.

Yu. Nedashkovsky confirmed that Holtec regards Ukraine as the platform for transfer of a part of the production of small modular reactors.

When (if) the new technology is licensed, Energoatom expects to implement new reactors as the substituting capacities and also, perhaps, on new platforms.

Positions SMR-160 Holtec reactors as the perspective direction in construction of the NPP, saying that they have the raised security level due to underground placement, absence pumping, reinforcing and dr the equipment.

Such reactors can be used in the remote areas, in territories with restricted stocks of water and also on industrial platforms where larger reactors are inexpedient to be used. But attracts Ukraine much more that small reactors are maneuverable and cheaper.

In September, 2017 Holtec International addressed the president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with the offer on creation in Ukraine of a hub on distribution to Europe, Asia and Africa of small modular reactors with localization of production and a large number of the equipment at the Ukrainian enterprises. The offer, certainly, interesting, but if not to think that the technology is still not licensed.

Observers note that this that offer which it is impossible to refuse. The Ukrainian authorities by force lobby the interests of the American capital in energy industry, aiming to improve the relations with the USA which grew cold after coming to power of the U.S. President Donald Trump.