Ukraine and the US launch projects with small modular reactors worth $30 million

At the COP29 climate conference in Baku, the United States and Ukraine jointly announced the launch of three innovative projects in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs).

According to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the total budget of the initiatives is $30 million, and they will become part of the international FIRST (Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology) program, which aims to ensure the safe use of SMR technologies.

The projects include:

• Construction of a pilot plant for the production of clean hydrogen and ammonia.
• Conversion of coal-fired power plants to small modular reactors.
• Development of a roadmap for decarbonization of the steel industry using SMR.

In his speech, Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Galushchenko emphasized that Ukraine is striving to become a world leader in the field of nuclear energy. Despite the Chornobyl tragedy and the occupation of Zaporizhzhya NPP, the state continues to invest in the development of nuclear energy, planning to triple its capacity by 2050. Particular attention is paid to small reactors due to their advantages, such as mobility, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

SMRs will be an important part of Ukraine's post-war economic recovery, strengthening energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. The projects will be implemented in cooperation with leading companies and scientific institutions of both countries.

The Minister noted that the FIRST program ensures compliance with high nuclear safety standards, which is key to the implementation of these projects.

It should be added that small modular reactors have significant advantages over traditional nuclear power plants: they require less capital expenditure, are more mobile, have an increased level of safety, and are adapted for integration with other energy solutions, including hydrogen energy. Such projects will contribute to Ukraine's energy independence, economic recovery after the war, and carbon emissions reduction.

Meanwhile, Ukrenergo plans to start building infrastructure to connect the first floating power plant with a capacity of 250 MW.