On April 24, a roundtable discussion “Nuclear Energy: Ecology, Safety and Development” was held at the Khmelnytskyi NPP site. Specialists of JSC “NNEGK “Energoatom”, experts from the Public Association of Environmental Professionals of Ukraine “PAEW”, representatives of international partners and the NGO “Ukrainian Nuclear Society” attended the event.

The experts discussed the impact of NPP operations on the environment and the population, the safety of nuclear power unit operation and the management of spent nuclear fuel.

According to President of the Public Association of Environmental Professionals of Ukraine “PAEW”, Liudmyla Tsyhanok, renewable sources alone would not be enough for the “green” reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy sector. Nuclear generation plays a key role in achieving the decarbonization goals facing our country.

The participants also exchanged views on the prospects for the development of nuclear sector, focusing on advanced technologies and their impact on the energy independence and economic development of the country.

Serhii Boychenko, Head of Department of Automation of Electrical and Mechatronic Complexes of NTUU “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, commented that current nuclear industry played a critically important role in Ukraine. That is why nuclear projects are attracting more and more attention, including in the context of ecology.

During the visit to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, the experts visited Unit 1, made a tour to turbine and chemical departments, where they got acquainted with the technological processes ensuring the reliable and safe operation of the facility.

Andrii Koziura, Director General of the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, emphasized that environmental safety is one of the priority areas of the NPP. Nuclear employees constantly monitor the impact of the plant on the environment, and no negative consequences have been recorded during the entire period of NPP operation.

The expert discussion combined a number of important topics critically important for the future of our state. The event was an opportunity for participants to become familiar with the process of electricity production at nuclear power plants and see how nuclear power plant employees care about the environment. This is extremely important for Energoatom future projects, as well as for strengthening Ukraine’s energy security and independence.

“With our routine activities, we demonstrate that modern nuclear generation is safe, environmentally friendly and strategically important for Ukraine’s energy independence. That is why open professional discussions are of great significance – those allow society to better understand the principles of the industry operation, its challenges and prospects. Such dialogues contribute not only to dispel myths, but also to form a common vision of a clean, carbon-free future for our state and its population,” emphasized Petro Kotin, Head of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom”.

The experts expressed gratitude to the nuclear employees for their openness and willingness to participate in dialogue.