The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine hosted a meeting of the Working Group on the development of a Draft Action Plan (Roadmap) for the deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies in Ukraine. In addition to experts from the Ministry and industry enterprises, the Working Group includes representatives of central executive authorities, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and other relevant organizations and institutions.
First Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Artem Nekrasov emphasized the strategic role of nuclear energy for Ukraine:
“During wartime, nuclear energy plays an exceptionally important role, remaining the cornerstone of the stability of the power system. At the same time, we are witnessing a true renaissance of nuclear energy worldwide as a source of clean, safe, and sustainable power, which is critical for Ukraine’s transition to a low-carbon energy sector.”
He stressed that the development of the Roadmap is part of the Government’s priority actions for 2025, aimed at establishing the institutional and technical framework for the implementation of Ukraine’s first SMR projects:
“We have already begun preparations for SMR deployment through cooperation with the U.S. Department of State under the FIRST program. The ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Hephaestus’ projects are being implemented to evaluate the potential for siting SMRs at decommissioned thermal power plant sites, industrial zones, and to assess their potential use for modernizing metallurgy and other energy-intensive industries.”
During the meeting, the structure of the upcoming Roadmap was presented, and the sections, positions, and questions from enterprises, energy sector organizations, and the scientific community were discussed. Artem Nekrasov noted that the Roadmap development is coordinated with legislative initiatives currently under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada:
“The draft law on SMR deployment, which has already been submitted to the Parliament, establishes the legal framework for attracting private investments and streamlining the design and construction procedures. In combination with our Roadmap, this document will become a practical instrument for implementing Ukraine’s energy strategy through 2050.”
Artem Nekrasov also emphasized that the Roadmap will define a step-by-step sequence for SMR deployment and ensure coordinated actions among government authorities, the scientific community, and industry. The Roadmap will serve as a foundation for attracting investors, donors, and technology partners, and will establish mechanisms for public engagement at future reactor sites.
“We must create a strategic yet realistic document that will serve as the foundation for a new stage in the development of Ukraine’s energy sector,” concluded Artem Nekrasov.
