The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will take part in the completion of new power units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, serving as a guarantor of nuclear safety compliance, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the official website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
This agreement is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Ukraine’s recovery support, signed by Ukraine’s Minister of Energy, Herman Halushchenko. The document states that in addition to supervising safety during the final stages of power unit construction, the IAEA will also assist Ukraine in the exploration, extraction, and production of uranium resources — a key factor in strengthening the country’s energy independence.
It is noted that during his official visit to Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. Further details of the talks have not been disclosed at this time.
In April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the decision to complete and commission two unfinished power units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. At that point, their construction progress stood at approximately 80% and 25%, respectively.
Previously, Bulgaria refused to sell Ukraine two Russian-made nuclear reactors, which were intended for use at the Khmelnytskyi site. Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov explained the decision by emphasizing the country’s need to focus on the development of its own nuclear energy sector, particularly amid the global rise in electricity prices.
At the same time, Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s Energy Committee, Oleksii Kucherenko, stated that Ukraine possesses all the necessary capabilities to complete the Khmelnytskyi NPP project.
Earlier we wrote that Iran officially ends cooperation with IAEA.