US interested in completing units at Khmelnytsky NPP – Atlantic Council

Ukraine needs Western support to build up its nuclear energy potential. This was emphasised by Stephen Blank, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, in his article for the Atlantic Council.
Since March 2024, Russia has been destroying Ukraine's thermal and hydroelectric power plants. As a result, Ukraine is currently dependent on the country's nuclear industry to meet more than 70 percent of its electricity needs. Therefore, it is vital for Ukraine to protect, maintain and develop its own nuclear generation.
It is crucial to obtain spare parts to keep the operating reactors running while Kyiv is transitioning to Western nuclear technologies and expanding its electricity production in other sectors, such as renewables.
As part of efforts to fill the gaps in electricity production created by Russia's targeted attacks, Ukraine and Bulgaria are currently trying to reach an agreement on the transfer of surplus nuclear equipment intended for Bulgaria's Belene NPP to Ukraine's Khmelnytsky NPP. This will allow completing the construction of
Units 3 and 4 of the NPP.
"The transfer of Bulgaria’s excess nuclear equipment to Ukraine would help address Kyiv’s electricity generation needs while also representing a major setback for Russia’s strategy in both Ukraine and the Balkans. Boosting Ukraine’s nuclear power capabilities would enhance the country’s economic outlook and position Ukraine to eventually replace Russia as a principal energy supplier to Europe in the postwar period. This makes Ukraine’s acquisition of Bulgarian nuclear power plant equipment a significant opportunity for the West that must not be missed," Stephen Blank concludes.
As reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada will consider a draft law on the completion of the KhNPP. The completion of Unit 3 will take 2.5-3 years, and the completion of Unit 4 will take up to another year and a half.
IAEA experts will advise on the construction of Khmelnytsky NPP units.