Experts weigh two options to complete Khmelnytskyi NPP — MoE Shmyhal
Ukraine needs to complete the construction of two power units at the Khmelnitskyi Nuclear Power Plant; experts are currently determining the most optimal option for this.
According to Ukrinform, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced this on Telegram.
"Nuclear power generation will form the foundation of the new energy architecture, as it allows for covering the base load on the power grid. Accordingly, Ukraine needs new nuclear power units, specifically the completion of Units 3 and 4 at the Khmelnytskyi NPP. Currently, there are two options for completion, and experts are working to determine the most optimal one," Shmyhal wrote.
During a visit to one of the nuclear power plants, he held a meeting on the future of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. In particular, plant management reported that they are working to increase the plant’s capacity and strengthen protection and safety. Shmyhal, for his part, added that active construction of protective structures is underway at the facility.
“Another area of focus is the modernization of power generation capacity and the construction of additional backup transmission lines, which will strengthen our overall energy security. We have agreed to work in this direction,” the First Deputy Prime Minister said.
As reported, on February 11, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada approved the purchase of Russian-made equipment from Bulgaria to complete the construction of two power units at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. However, for construction to actually begin, parliament must pass a separate law.
On April 15, 2025, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov stated that the country would not sell Ukraine two reactors from the unfinished Belene NPP, which were planned to be used for the Khmelnytskyi NPP.
On March 30, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the Ukrainian side is ready to continue cooperation to obtain two units for the Khmelnytskyi NPP.