During a conversation with journalists, Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin said that the Ukrainian NPP operator is preparing to apply for the lifetime extension of South Ukraine NPP power unit 2.

Energoatom has a successful example of a similar procedure in November 2023, when the lifetime of South Ukraine NPP power unit 1 was extended for 10 years without a prolonged reactor shutdown.

“For the first time in the history of Ukraine, we have implemented the international practice of safety analysis and lifetime extension, when all preparatory work is carried out before the power unit's lifetime is exhausted. By this time, the safety indicators have been substantiated and the whole list of necessary technical measures has been completed. “After examining the condition of the power unit and supporting documents, the Ukrainian regulator SNRIU confirmed the safety of the lifetime extension and granted the relevant license,” said Petro Kotin. ”I would like to remind you that our predecessors used to shut down power units for up to 250 days to extend their lifetime, ignoring the world practice and spending months on aimless shutdowns, which significantly reduced the efficiency of the Company's operations in general”.

Head of SNRIU Oleh Korikov noted that Ukraine is implementing up-to-date practices for the lifetime extension of nuclear power units.

“Under international standards, there is no end-of-life concept, and the safety of the power unit lifetime extension is reassessed every ten years. We are confident that this approach is optimal, and practice shows that it is safe,” said Oleh Korikov.

Energoatom CEO and head of SNRIU confirmed that the regulatory support for South Ukraine NPP power unit 2 safety reassessment and lifetime extension is currently underway.