At the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Ukraine and the United States announced the launch of three new projects in the field of small modular reactors (SMRs). This partnership will be implemented under the FIRST program (Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology)
This initiative represents a strategic step toward achieving global climate goals, enhancing regional energy security, fostering economic growth, and positioning Ukraine for post-war leadership in the use of advanced nuclear technologies.
The program includes three interconnected projects: construction of a pilot plant for the production of clean hydrogen and ammonia (The Clean Fuel Project), conversion of coal-fired power plants to SMRs (The Phoenix Project), and Development of a roadmap for decarbonizing the steel industry through SMRs (The Clean Steel Project).
“Ukraine sees its future with nuclear energy. Despite the fact that our country survived the Chernobyl accident and is facing now unprecedented challenges in connection with occupation by russia of the largest European nuclear power plant of the region, Zaporizhzhia NPP, we continue to move forward to modernize our current nuclear fleet and implement our plans on the construction of new nuclear generation capacities,” said Ukraine's Minister of Energy, German Galushchenko, during his online speech.
Ukraine has joined the COP28 Declaration, committing to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050. This effort includes developing and constructing both large-scale nuclear units and small modular reactors for electricity production and industrial applications.
These projects will involve leading energy companies and research institutions from Ukraine and the USA. SMR technology offers significant advantages over traditional nuclear power plants, including modular production, ease of transportation, enhanced safety, and lower initial investment costs.
The development of SMR technology is considered a vital component of Ukraine's post-war recovery, contributing to energy security and economic decarbonization. The FIRST program ensures adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation in the implementation of these projects.
