The history of the South Ukraine NPP is the history of the development of the Soviet technology of water-cooled energy reactors (VVER-1000). It was Ukrainian specialists who created this history by building and commissioning unit after unit in the distant Soviet times. 

The power unit 1 is the first prototype of the VVER-1000 reactor. The second one was an improved version of power unit 1, and finally, the third one was the first commercial VVER-1000 power unit, an advanced design based on the results of the operation of the first two pilot power units. That is why each power unit at SUNPP is so different from the other two. 

With the commissioning of South Ukraine NPP unit 3, both in Ukraine and in the world, serial construction of VVER-1000 reactors began, which trace their history back to SUNPP power unit 3 and are similar to it like twins.

Today, on September 20, the world's first commercial VVER-1000 power unit celebrates its 35th anniversary!

Over the years, the power unit has generated almost 205 billion kWh of electricity. It continues to provide reliable service to Ukraine and Ukrainians today.

Already in post-Soviet times, South Ukrainian NPP unit 3 was repeatedly chosen as a pilot in the implementation of large-scale technical projects. Thus, in 2018, unit 3 became the first power unit in the country to fully switch to Westinghouse fuel.

“I congratulate the staff of South Ukraine NPP on the 35th anniversary of the safe operation of unit 3. This anniversary is based on your daily tireless work, high professionalism, and unique experience, which will help in the future development of the national nuclear generation,” Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin addressed the team.