IAEA gives Ukraine guarantees on uranium and nuclear plants
Photo: Ukraine and the IAEA signed an agreement on the Khmelnytskyi NPP (president.gov.ua)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will act as a guarantor of safety compliance during the completion of additional units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, according to a statement about the agreement published on the website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Ukraine’s recovery support.
"The IAEA will act as a guarantor of safety compliance during the completion of additional units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. The agreement also confirms support for uranium exploration, extraction, and production in Ukraine, which is vital for strengthening the country’s energy security," the document states.
During his visit to Rome, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. No further details were disclosed.
Khmelnytskyi NPP construction
In April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the completion and commissioning of two power units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, which were 80% and 25% complete, respectively.
Bulgaria declined to sell Ukraine two Russian-made reactors intended for the plant’s construction. Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov explained the decision by citing the need to develop Bulgaria’s nuclear energy sector, especially in light of rising global electricity prices.
At the same time, Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada’s Energy Committee Oleksii Kucherenko stated that Ukraine has all the necessary capabilities to complete the Khmelnytskyi NPP.
