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1. Rada supports purchase of Russian NPP equipment from Bulgaria
MOSCOW, February 11 – RIA Novosti. The Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of a bill on the purchase from Bulgaria for the completion of the Khmelnitsky NPP of equipment previously purchased by Sofia from Moscow for the construction of the belene NPP, Verkhovna Rada deputy Alexei Goncharenko* saeid on Tuesday in his Telegram channel. “The Rada supports the purchase of Russian equipment for the …
2. Ukraine’s plan to buy Russian-made reactors sparks criticism from US
In 2023, reports indicated that Ukraine was buying two nuclear reactors from Bulgaria for the Khmelnytskyi NPP. The installation of the two reactors was expected to add almost 2,200 MW to Ukraine’s energy system. In 2024, the European Commission acknowledged that the potential deal to sell Russian reactors could be funded with EU aid to Ukraine.
3. Completion of Khmelnitsky NPP plunged into scandal: “Fuel will be …
Less than a year has passed since Energoatom launched a campaign to complete the construction of two units of the Khmelnitsky NPP, and ukraine is already being covered by a scandal. … bulgaria is asking for 600 milli…es in favor, 39 against and 4, abstentions of Ukraine’s Supreme Rada approved the enlargement of the Khmelnitsa NPP with equipment from Bulgaria.Energoatom-Ukraine plans to buy from the two reactors VVER-1000 Russian production, which were intended for the failed Belene NPP.
There was also criticism of the deal in Kiev’s radio – because the equipment is Russian and because “the rates are rising in Ukraine and the money will go somewhere in Bulgaria,” explained MP J. Zheleznyak.
According to preliminary estimates, Ukraine will spend up to $ 1 billion on the modernization of the NPP, incl. For both reactors. According to a decision of the bulgarian parliament, the deal with Kiev will only be possible if the price is over $ 600 million.
The construction of the third and fourth block of the Khmelnitska NPP began in Soviet times, but it was stopped in 1990.Bulgaria suggested that the reactors to Ukraine.
Ukraine has a critical need for new energy facilities as the Russians systematically attack and destroy the country’s energy infrastructure.
There are five nuclear power plants in Ukraine. The Chernobyl closed NPP and Zaporozhi NPP, which has 6 reactors, are under Russian control. Ukrainian control remains the South Ukrainian NPP (3 reactors), Rovnov (4 reactors) and “Khmelnitska” (2 reactors).
Interview: Ukraine’s nuclear Energy Plans and the Russian Connection
Editor: Ukraine has recently been in the spotlight due to its plans to purchase nuclear power equipment from bulgaria. Can you provide some insights into this advancement?
Guest: Certainly. Ukraine is currently in the process of acquiring nuclear reactors from Bulgaria to complete the Khmelnitsky NPP. This move has meaningful implications for Ukraine’s energy security, as it seeks to bolster its power infrastructure amidst ongoing conflicts. The reactors, originally intended for Bulgaria’s Belene NPP, were purchased from Russia and are now being repurposed for Ukraine.
Editor: How has the international community, particularly the United States, reacted to this deal?
Guest: The plan to buy Russian-made reactors has sparked criticism from the United States and some European countries. The US has expressed concerns over the potential use of EU aid to fund the purchase of Russian equipment. This criticism stems from broader geopolitical tensions and the desire to limit Russia’s influence in the region.
Editor: Can you elaborate on the meaning of this deal for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure?
Guest: The completion of the khmelnitsky NPP is crucial for Ukraine’s energy security. With several of its nuclear power plants under Russian control, including the chernobyl NPP and Zaporozhye NPP, Ukraine faces a critical need for new energy facilities. The installation of the two reactors from Bulgaria is expected to add nearly 2,200 MW to Ukraine’s energy system,which is vital for maintaining stability and resilience in the country’s power grid.
Editor: What are the main challenges and controversies surrounding this project?
Guest: One of the primary challenges is the cost of completing the project. Estimates suggest that the price coudl exceed $600 million. Additionally, there are concerns about the quality and reliability of the Russian-made equipment. The project has also been plunged into scandal due to allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which have raised questions about the transparency and efficiency of the procurement process.
Editor: How does this deal fit into Ukraine’s broader energy strategy?
Guest: This deal is a part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian energy. By acquiring these reactors, Ukraine aims to enhance its energy independence and ensure a stable supply of electricity. Though, the deal also highlights the complexities of energy politics and the need for careful consideration of both economic and geopolitical factors.
Editor: What are the potential long-term implications of this deal for Ukraine and the region?
Guest: In the long term, the completion of the Khmelnitsky NPP could substantially improve Ukraine’s energy security and contribute to the stability of its power grid. However, the deal also raises questions about the future of Ukraine’s energy relations with Russia and other international actors. It underscores the importance of strategic planning and the need to balance energy security with geopolitical considerations.
Conclusion: The purchase of nuclear reactors from Bulgaria for the Khmelnitsky NPP is a complex and multifaceted issue with significant implications for Ukraine’s energy security and geopolitical landscape. While the deal offers a potential solution to Ukraine’s critical energy needs, it also presents challenges and controversies that require careful navigation. As Ukraine continues to seek ways to bolster its energy infrastructure, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.