On May 1, the South Ukraine NPP received representatives of the Danish Energy Agency and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine. This visit is one of the next stages in the implementation of the joint energy cooperation program that Denmark and Ukraine have been conducting since 2014.
After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the russian federation, Denmark undertook patronage over the Mykolaiv region. In particular, support for the region includes assistance to electrical substations and heat generating companies, installation of decentralized energy sources, construction of the 500 MW Tylihul wind farm, coordination with system operators and local authorities.
For the Danish side, the visit to the South Ukraine NPP is a practical opportunity to assess the technical capabilities of the facility, get acquainted with the history of the plant, its role in ensuring stable generation, and learn about Ukrainian approaches to extending the life of power units and responding to safety and security challenges in wartime. According to Vyacheslav Stoyanov, Director General of the branch “SS SUNPP”, that meeting was another evidence of Ukraine’s openness to international cooperation: “We always demonstrate transparency and technical readiness; we work exceptionally as a peaceful energy facility.”
The delegation paid special attention to the issue of security — in particular, responding to russian attacks on energy infrastructure. In the “question-and-answer” format, the parties discussed the challenges faced by the SUNPP during the war, as well as plans for the plant’s development.
During the visit, the delegation got acquainted with the operation of key facilities of the SUNPP. In particular, the guests visited the turbine hall of Unit 3; both control panels on the full-scope simulator, where the personnel improve their professional skills. After that, the delegation visited the main control room and the turbine hall of the Tashlyk PSPP.
“The scale and capacity of the SUNPP are impressive. Denmark has had a ban on nuclear power for over 40 years, but we understand that there is something to learn from the example of Ukraine and this gives us a new understanding of the role of nuclear generation. Especially in war conditions, the issue of energy independence becomes fundamental,” – Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv Jacob Torrild Hansen shared his impressions of what he saw.
Director General of the branch “SS SUNPP” Vyacheslav Stoyanov emphasized that in wartime conditions nuclear energy not only remained the basis for the stable operation of the power system, but also proved its reliability as a strategic source of electricity: “We continue to work despite the war, support the power system, and we want the world to understand: the atom is part of the “green” transformation. This is the energy of the future, if we combine it with innovation and security. For our part, we do everything possible to guarantee the safe operation of the plant, but every day we face risks – threats of missile strikes, drone attacks. Therefore, the main thing that is needed for real energy security in Ukraine is the end of the war.”
Both sides emphasized their interest in joint initiatives: from exchanging experience in the energy sector to participating in joint projects, implementing the best Danish practices in Ukraine and Ukrainian ones in Denmark.
