Ukraine is expanding one of its nuclear power plants: It could become the largest in Europe

The third unit of the Khmelnytskyi NPP is 85% complete, while the fourth is 25% finished. Work is ongoing to maintain the proper condition of the structures at both units, with the involvement of employees from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. These workers were forced to evacuate from the occupied territory and are now contributing to the efforts here.

This information was reported in a story by TSN correspondent Tetiana Khomych.

Construction of the third and fourth units at the Khmelnytskyi NPP began during Soviet times but was halted in 1990. Today, increasing nuclear capacity, including completing these units, is a key focus of Ukraine's energy strategy through 2050. Maintenance work on the structures involves over 600 workers from the Zaporizhzhia NPP, all of whom relocated from the occupied Enerhodar.

"These workers are essentially without their primary place of work, so we are employing them here and paying their salaries," said Petro Kotin, Acting Chairman of the Board of JSC "NNEK "Energoatom".

To accommodate the workers, a construction camp has been set up near the units, equipped with dining areas, changing rooms, and showers. The modular units are insulated and fully outfitted, capable of hosting over 1,000 workers.

"Construction starts with creating good living conditions for the staff. Workers should have a clean place to change clothes, work their shifts, and have meals," explains Andriy Trokhymchuk, Deputy Head of the Construction Management Department at the Zaporizhzhia NPP branch.
Also, to accelerate progress on the two units, Energoatom has purchased modern equipment.

"It is currently used for planned maintenance and restoration work, but in the future, it will serve for constructing new energy facilities," said Andriy Koziura, General Director of the Khmelnytskyi NPP branch.

The vehicle fleet has been upgraded with ambulances, bulldozers, loaders, and tractors, with a total of 60 new machines purchased.
The third and fourth units are critically important, energy experts emphasize, as they will significantly enhance Ukraine's power grid. If the Verkhovna Rada passes legislation to complete construction at the Khmelnytskyi NPP, large-scale work could begin immediately.

"I believe we can accomplish the tasks set by the Ministry of Energy and the government within three to four and a half years," Petro Kotin said.
In addition to completing the third and fourth units, energy experts plan to construct two more units using American technology. If realized, the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant will become the largest in both Ukraine and Europe.

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