At the South-Ukraine energy complex in the Mykolaiv region, summer started with a pleasant and long-awaited event – the launch of two new spray ponds built to improve the nuclear power plant cooling system.

Large-scale, costly and extremely urgent upgrades are needed not only for the operation of NPP but also for improvement of the environmental situation in the region at large. Moreover, upon the final implementation of the program «Reconstruction of the service water system at the Tashlyk reservoir and spray ponds of SUNPP» the volumes of electricity production by the power plant will increase by 40% in the summer. By the end of the year, the third hydro unit is planned to be launched at the Tashlyk hydro pumped storage power plant, which is currently 90% ready. However, the innovations and transformations planned for the unique for Ukraine complex combining nuclear and hydro generation are not limited to this.

Guarantor of the national power system stability in the south of the country

The favorable location of the South-Ukraine energy complex on the Southern Buh River made it possible to combine three generating capacities in one place – South-Ukraine nuclear power plant, Oleksandrivska hydroelectric power plant, and Tashlyk hydro pumped storage power plant. The complex generates about 10% of the total electricity production in Ukraine (17-20 billion kWh per year) and meets the five million population and industry needs of Mykolayiv, Odesa, Kherson, and Kirovohrad regions.

South-Ukraine NPP operates with three 1000 MW power units

The peculiarity of the South-Ukraine energy complex is in its capacities and functionality. South-Ukraine NPP operating with three 1000 MW power units forms the basis, HPP with two hydraulic units with a total capacity of 11.5 MW serves essentially as a dam while HPSPP (capacity of 302 MW) during peak hours and night reduction of energy consumption regulates the load in the south-western part of the Unified Power System (UPS) of Ukraine.

Hydroelectric power plant with two hydraulic units with a total capacity of 11.5 MW serves essentially as a dam

Tashlyk HPSPP, which is the second-largest component of the energy complex, was designed as a kind of water accumulator. At night, when consumption is significantly reduced, the plant's hydraulic units raise water from the lower (Olexandrivska) reservoir to the upper one. Whereas in the morning and evening, when energy consumption increases rapidly, water from the upper reservoir enters the hydraulic units, producing the necessary «peak» electricity.

Tashlyk hydro pumped storage power plant is the second-largest component of the energy complex

Currently, the power plant operates on two units out of six possible. With the completion of the THPSPP, the stability of the domestic UPS will increase, an operational reserve will be formed to regulate the frequency of electric current, and thus the conditions for the export of electricity. In a long run, increasing the capacity of the power plant will allow it to enter the market of ancillary services to make it profitable.

It should be taken into account that Mykolayiv region where the complex is located is considered an arid zone. By monitoring the state of the formerly water-abundant Southern Buh, experts state that from year to year the water content of the river decreases. This is due to the geographical features of the region: the vast majority of surface water is formed here by small rivers flowing as tributaries into a large river. However, off-flow from small rivers of Mykolayiv region is insignificant and it is impossible to use it for water supply without creation of reservoirs for flow control.

Mykolayiv region, where the South-Ukraine energy complex is located, is considered an arid zone. Reservoirs are needed for the normal supply of water to the region and flow control

Recently, the actual water content is 36-65% lower than the average rate of many previous years. At the same time, the region's water needs are growing – both to provide people with drinking water and for agriculture and business, so it was clear that the energy complex needs large-scale reconstruction to address water issues in the region and globally upgrade the cooling system of South-Ukraine NPP.

The largest fountain in Mykolayiv region

The nominal capacity of South-Ukraine nuclear power plant is 3,000 MW, but in the heat due to a significant water temperature increase in the Tashlyk cooling pond, electricity production has to be halved to 1,500 MW. To address this issue, a «Reconstruction of the service water system at the Tashlyk reservoir and spray ponds of SUNPP» started five years ago. The large-scale project, envisaging the construction of five spray ponds at the power plant, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers back in 2016, but the first stage of construction was finalized only during the last year – under the new top management of Energoatom.

Reconstruction envisages the construction of five spray ponds at the power plant

Just a few figures to understand the scale of construction. The size of one spray pond is 145 by 395 meters, that is 7 Olympic (i.e. the largest) football fields. Moreover, the total area of ​​all five ponds provided by the project is 286 thousand 375 m². Just imagine!

The project cost is UAH 3.4 billion, of which works for UAH 2.3 billion has been executed so far.

Upon the completion of all ponds, the water temperature in the Tashlyk reservoir should decrease by 7-8 degrees, which will not only improve the environmental situation around the NPP but also lift restrictions on electricity production in the warm season and the nuclear power plant will be able to increase electricity production to 2549 million kWh according to the maximum estimate.

«This year, the third and fourth ponds out of five planned and the third hydro units of the Tashlyk hydro pumped storage power plant will also be commissioned, whereas the reconstruction and launch of the pond №5 are scheduled for 2022,» – the NNEGC Energoatom head Petro Kotin said during the formal launch of the first stage of the ponds..

Upon the completion of all ponds, the water temperature in the Tashlyk reservoir should decrease by 7-8 degrees

Furthermore, in the waters of the Tashlyk reservoir, a baffle plate is being installed while a complex of structures is being erected nearby to fill and feed the cooling reservoir.

For modern Ukraine, such large projects have long been a rarity, because they are catastrophically short of funds. It was not easy for Energoatom to complete two new spray ponds with a powerful pumping station in time and to adjust the necessary equipment, especially given the fact that the debts to the Company for timely generated and available to the general public electricity have already reached tens of billions of hryvnias.

Launch of a new pumping station at SUNPP 

«Due to the difficult financial standing of our company, we overran the schedule of payments to contractors, which led to a slowdown in construction,»  said the Director for projects and investment programs of NNEGC «Energoatom» Tetiana Amosova. «However, since this project has become one of our priorities for our top management, every effort has been made, and after Energoatom was partially repaid the debt for electricity sold, we were able to make basic payments for our facilities, including spray ponds and Tashlyk HPSPP.»

The head of Energoatom Petro Kotin solemnly launches the first stage of spray ponds at South-Ukraine nuclear power plant 

Thus, two ponds are already in operation. After solemn pressing the central button «Start» on the control panel of the new powerful pump station, one of its employees proudly said: «n 40 seconds, the largest fountain of Mykolayiv region will start working!».

Completion of Tashlyk HPSPP

This is not the end of the renovation of the South-Ukraine energy complex – many more projects are planned. However, their completion encounters obstacles. Thus, the announced completion of the Tashlyk Hydro pumped storage power plant (THPSPP) provoked a backlash from eco-warriors, even though it is provided by the state «Hydropower Development Program until 2026», approved by the Cabinet of Ministers (№ 552-p of July 13, 2016) and Energy strategy of Ukraine until 2035.

Completion of THPSPP construction is provided by the government program and includes gradual commissioning of six hydraulic units with a total capacity of 906 MW

The project was also approved by the Ministry of Energy (№ 01/33-2327 of March 7, 2019) and the Ministry of Environment (№ 5/4-7/12569-18 of November 20, 2018), provided that all documents are based on many years of research, observation and feasibility studies carried out by leading expert organizations – PJSC «Ukrhydroprojekt», NAS of Ukraine, CS «Ukrinvestexpertyza».

Completion of THPSPP construction includes gradual commissioning of six hydro units with a total capacity of 906 MW. The cost of the reconstruction project is UAH 14.25 billion, as of May 1, 2021, UAH 3.3 billion has been financed.

Turbine Hall of Tashlyk HPSPP and «top» of hydraulic unit N1. It is planned to launch the unit N3 by the end of 2021.

Currently, the plant has two hydraulic units with a total operating capacity of 302 MW. The third unit capable of operating at the current water level in the Olexandrivska reservoir is planned to be put into operation by the end of 2021. By the way, water from this reservoir is also used for irrigation and water supply.

Further development of the plant envisages the commissioning of units № 4–6 (not earlier than 2024–2026), and it is included in the government program for the development of nuclear and hydropower. In fact, the completion of THPSPP will ensure the smooth operation of the power plant and help address urgent «water issues» of the arid steppe Mykolayiv region while the issues are severe.

Environmental health costs of the Olexandrivska reservoir for the economic needs of the region (irrigation and drinking water) in the warmest season of the year for more than a decade do not reach the current regulating release – 17 m3/s. In 2007, this period lasted 53 days, in 2015 – 100 days, in 2020 – 114. Thus, the low streamflow period (when the river has the lowest water levels while its costs are less than environmental health ones) is growing steadily.

«Completion of the reconstruction of the pumped-storage unit under the project will increase the volume of the reservoir to 72 million cubic meters, of which 46 million will be used for the needs of the national economy,» said Pavlo Virych, head of the capital construction department of South-Ukraine NPP. Currently the reservoir has 14 million cubic meters. Upon the reconstruction, we will be able to provide regulating release below the Olexandrivka node in summer season. Then we will have water intakes in Voznesensk and Nova Odesa and there will be a stream flow. We will have water!»

Completion of Tashlyk HPSPP under the project will provide the region with water

Any project solution necessarily requires comprehensive scientific support, including environmental monitoring. Therefore, for the construction and operation of Tashlyk HPSPP since 1998 and until now, the Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of NASU carries out comprehensive environmental monitoring at the power plant, reservoir and adjacent area.

Observations have shown that with the filling of the Olexandrivska reservoir to the mark of 16 m in 2010, the values ​​of physical and chemical indicators of water quality have not changed while the local flora and fauna can adapt to changing living conditions. The filling of reservoir to the level of 20.7 m envisaged by the project will take place only at the peak of spring floods, when the river is «full» and it is possible to accumulate water, which would otherwise simply float into the sea.

South-Ukraine energy complex ensures the stability of the domestic UPS 

Public discussions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the completion of the Tashlyk HPSPP are currently underway. Based on their results, the relevant ministry will prepare conclusions and a report, an integral part of which are, in particular, the minutes of public hearings, all received written comments and suggestions from the public, as well as a table with information on full, partial consideration or reasonable rejection of comments and suggestions which will be published in the Unified Register of Environmental Impact Assessment.

By the way, the project of completion of Tashlyk HPSPP for the first time in Ukraine provides for simultaneous financing of the construction of an industrial facility and a social and environmental program, which is directed to 10% of the allocated funds. Measures to preserve flora and fauna of the regional landscape park «Granite-steppe Pobuzhzhya» are financed separately. UAH 156 million has already been used for the social and environmental development program of the region while a total of UAH 910.6 million has been allocated.

At the request of the National Science and Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine, rehabilitation measures are being implemented to reduce the impact on the populations of rare plant species under international, national and regional protection.

SUNPP 

Therefore, the construction of the Tashlyk hydro pumped storage power plant is carried out under the project, which has undergone all the necessary examinations and is approved in the manner prescribed by law. Energoatom's priority is primarily the interests of the people – ensuring their needs for electricity and heat, purity of environment as well as restoring the natural balance of the areas they live in.

The top priority in the activity of SE NNEGC “Energoatom” is compliance with highest nuclear and radiation safety standards. The Company recognizes its full responsibility for the operation of nuclear facilities that require specific personnel training, particular approach to production activity and very specific understanding of the safety culture by all involved in the operation of nuclear power plants. Safety improvement of nuclear facilities and ensuring safe working environment for the employees of SE NNEGC “Energoatom” are the Company’s number one priorities on its activity agenda.    

The highest attention of SE NNEGC “Energoatom” is focused on implementation of the Comprehensive (integrated) safety upgrade program at Ukrainian NPPs (CiSUP). Not only does the program implementation allow for the maximum safety improvement of the operating NPPs, but also for the extension of their operating life while providing confidence in their reliable operation.

On a yearly basis, Energoatom works to improve and develop its integrated management system in pursuit of ensuring safety. For the years of the Company’s existence, the operating nuclear power plants of Ukraine have not had a single accident or event above level 1 on the international INES scale. The levels of radioactive materials releases and emissions have not exceeded a tenth portion of the permitted percent value, while the personnel exposure has not exceeded 5% of the yearly dose limit.

Personnel and labor safety remain priority areas in the activity of SE NNEGC “Energoatom”, and safety culture displayed by the personnel of nuclear power plants is and will always be an essential precondition for the safe operation of NPP power units. The Company’s task is about foreseeing and preventing potential events as early as at the stage of adoption of technical decisions. Energoatom seeks to ensure that every Company employee recognizes that it is his/her safety culture the safe operation of an NPP depends on.

Reliability and efficiency of operating NPPs is being improved through the following prgrams:

• “Comprehensive (integrated) safety upgrade program for nuclear power plants’ units” (CiSUP);
• “Program for operational efficiency improvement of NPPs operated by SE NNEGC “Energoatom”;
• “Power uprate program for operating NPPs”;
• “Action plan for reliability improvement of steam generators and condensers of turbine installations of NPPs operated by SE NNEGC “Energoatom” for the period 2014-2019”.

The purpose of safety improvement activities at NPPs:

• Implementation of recommendations made by IAEA and other international organizations regarding safety improvement of the Ukrainian NPPs;
• Meeting the requirements of the effective national nuclear legislation and legislation in the field of civil protection regarding the Company’s preparedness to respond under a threat and actual occurrence of nuclear and radiation accidents and emergencies of man-induced and natural origin;
• Implementation of activities designed to prevent accidents similar to the one at Fukushima NPP;
• Replacement of safety important equipment with modern equipment.

Operating life extension of NPPs’ power units

Operating life extension of NPPs’ power units is one of strategic goals of SE NNEGC “Energoatom”. This is one of the most essential trends characteristic of the current development stage of the world nuclear power industry, and the most cost-effective investment of financial resources to preserve generating capacities. Long-term operation of nuclear power units is a common practice worldwide: out of the 448 operating reactors, 307 have been in operation for 30 years and more, with 110 reactors being in operation for 40 years and more. Practical experience in this activity has already been acquired by Great Britain, Canada, Russia, USA, France, Hungary and other countries.

SE NNEGC “Energoatom” has already extended the operating life of 11 nuclear power units. In pursuit of this goal, the Company has established corresponding structural units, developed the regulatory, methodological and technical documentation and had it approved by the Regulatory body.

Preparation for the long-term operation (operational life extension) is performed under specific Programs on preparation for long-term operation, such programs being developed separately for each specific nuclear power unit. To confirm the required safety level and obtain a license from the national Regulatory body for the beyond-design service life operation of a given nuclear power unit, the operating company completes a series of activities on safety improvement  and long-term operation involving replacement of obsolescent and physically aged equipment of a given power unit and performs safety reassessment accounting for the actual technical condition and completed modifications.

A mandatory precondition for the long-term operation of existing nuclear power units is completion of safety and reliability improvement activities. Among these are equipment modernization and refurbishment, elimination of any deviations from safety norms and rules, and improvement of nuclear power units’ safety and emergency preparedness.

Owing to safety improvement activities implemented as part of the long-term operation activities, the safety level of nuclear power units with extended design service life is even higher than that of other power units.   

Comprehensive (integrated) safety upgrade program of nuclear power plants’ units

Safety of nuclear installations [1], perseverance of the existing safety level of operating nuclear power units and its continuous increase are the top priorities in the activity of SE NNEGC “Energoatom”.

Safety improvement at Ukrainian NPPs is implemented on a systematic basis through completion of corresponding safety upgrade programs developed for specific timeframes. To ensure further rigorous improvement of nuclear safety, efficient and reliable functioning of the power sector, to bring the safety of Ukrainian NPPs to the level that meets internationally recognized requirements to nuclear safety and environmental protection, SE NNEGC “Energoatom” is implementing the Comprehensive (integrated) safety upgrade program at Ukrainian nuclear power plants (CiSUP). The Program covers the period until 2020. Among the most essential program components are post-Fukushima activities focused mainly on ensuring emergency power supply.  

CiSUP major objectives are:

• Increase of the safety level of NPPs’ power units to the level corresponding to the present-day national safety norms;
• Implementation of IAEA recommendations regarding safety improvement at Ukrainian NPPs;
• Delivery on existing commitments to international financial institutions regarding implementation of safety upgrade activities;
• Replacement of safety-important equipment close to expiration of the design service life with modern equipment;
• Implementation of accident prevention measures focused specifically on accidents similar to that at Fukushima Daiichi (Japan, 2011).

Funding of the CiSUP comes from the Company’s own resources and from the loan funds of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and EORATOM. These funds are only available for the procurement of major equipment, which is only a part of the CiSUP activities, and only according to the procedures adopted by the European partners.

Implementation of post-Fukushima activities at NPPs

Following the accident at the Japanese Fukushima Daiichi NPP, NNEGC “Energoatom” performed a targeted extraordinary safety assessment of its nuclear power units (“stress tests”), which proved the sequence of events that had affected the Fukushima-Daiichi NPP was practically unfeasible at any Ukrainian NPP. Safety improvement activities, including “post-Fukushima” measures, are being implemented according to the CiSUP.

Based on the “stress tests”, there was a list of “severe” accident prevention activities identified, such activities being mandatory for completion as a precondition for the operational life extension of nuclear power units.

Such activities include the following:

• Ensuring resistance to impacts of an earthquake magnitude 7 on MSK-64 scale;
• Ensuring operability of safety-important equipment under “harsh” environmental conditions;
• Introduction of forced containment filtered venting systems to vent steam-gas mixture from under the containment dome;
• Implementation of activities to ensure emergency power supply to steam generators and spent fuel pools under long-term total black-out of an NPP and/or loss of the ultimate heat sink;
• Introduction of severe accident management  guidelines.

There is a total of 231 activities aimed at prevention of “severe” accidents, and further 93 fire protection activities, to be implemented by SE NNEGC “Energoatom” under the Program at 15 nuclear power units. Out of these, 35 «post-Fukushima” activities were completed in 2017.

2017: development and introduction of severe accident management guidelines was completed at all nuclear  power units of NPPs; activities on replacement of self-contained air-conditioners were completed at ZNPP-3, RNPP-3, SU NPP-3; the system for emergency hydrogen removal from the containment was installed at ZNPP-3, and the early containment bypass system during core meltdown was installed at units ZNPP-1 and ZNPP-3; mobile pumping equipment was introduced at power units ZNPP-3, RNPP-1, RNPP-2 and mobile diesel generators – at power units ZNPP-1, ZNPP-3 etc.

Implementation of the Company’s Unified Technical Policy

Best in-house and international operating experience and modernization practices at NPPs  and power units is implemented according to the Unified Technical Policy of SE NNEGC “Energoatom”, which the Company follows in implementation of all programs.  

It means that all power units operating similar reactor installations are implementing the same set of safety and reliability improvement activities, use uniform technical decisions and methodologies, while equipment maintenance and operation are based on uniform approaches, and the same requirements apply to procedures for the development and approval of production documentation.

The fundamental principles of the Unified Technical Policy of SE NNEGC “Energoatom” are:

• Responsibility for radiation protection and safety of nuclear installations according to the Ukrainian legislation in the field of use of nuclear power;
• Implementation of proven technical decisions only, provided these are efficient and meet design and regulatory requirements;
• Mandatory use of operational experience and safety analysis results in technical decisions.

The Unified Technical Policy of NNEGC “Energoatom” implies an individual approach to each specific nuclear power unit of an NPP to account for its specificity and a range of potential decisions while fully complying with the adopted overall philosophy of approach implementation.

Examples of compliance with the Company’s Unified Technical Policy:

• The list of CiSUP activities is the same for each of the three reactor installation designs: VVER-1000/V-320, VVER-1000/V-302, 338, VVER-440/V-213.
• Long-term operation of nuclear power units: ZNPP-4, RNPP-3 and subsequent power units are being prepared for operational life extension beyond the design service life in the same manner as earlier were RNPP-1, SU NPP-1,2 and ZNPP-1,2,3 units in their preparation for and authorization of the long-term operation.    
• In the period 2015-2017 uniform technical requirements and procurement terms were applied to  30 types of equipment/products for safety-important systems, and are procured on a regular basis.
• Unification of technical requirements to the CiSUP equipment to be procured for EBRD/EURATOM funds.

[1] Nuclear and radiation safety, radiation protection, labor safety, industrial and technology safety, environmental and fire protection, prevention of severe and industrial accidents, preparedness for emergency response and emergencies, physical protection of nuclear facilities, nuclear materials, radioactive waste and other ionizing radiation sources.

Affordable electric power is crucial to the economic growth of any modern country in the world. SE NNEGC Energoatom (“Energoatom”) as the largest electricity generator in Ukraine serves as Guarantor of economic stability and sustainable development of our country. Therefore, promoting and developing the nuclear power as a key part of the national electric power sector do meet the strategic interests of Ukraine both in terms of sustainable development of the country and reinforcement of its energy security. The stable operation of the nuclear energy complex requires careful planning of long-term investment projects and adequate financing. Energoatom has been investing into development of production, power unit life-time extension, continuous safety  upgrading, and mitigation of environmental impact.  

Financing for the Company’ s Investment Programs in 2015-2019

                                                              billion UAH (incl, VAT)

Priority focus areas for the Company’s investments include:

• support for the safe and reliable operation of NPPs and extension of power unit life time;
• creation of an enabling environment for the energy self-reliance of Ukraine;
• electricity generation increase through the more effective use of existing capacities;
• build-up of the Company’s export capabilities;

A final goal of each and every projects of the Company is to improve the competitiveness of the national economy of Ukraine.

Complex (Consolidated) Safety Upgrade Program of Power Units of Nuclear Power Plants in Ukraine

NNEGC Energoatom launched and has been implementing the Complex (Consolidated) Safety Upgrade Program of Power Units of  NPPs in Ukraine (the “CCSUP”) with a view to  continuously enhancing the nuclear safety, maintaining effective and reliable operations of energy sector, and bringing the safety of Ukrainian NPP up to the level of the best European standards and nuclear safety and environmental requirements.

The CCSUP was developed by Energoatom taking into account recommendations of the EC-IAEA-Ukraine Joint Project regarding the safety improvements and implementation of post - Fukushima actions at power units of NPPs. The Program was approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on December 7, 2011. Then, pursuant to Resolution No. 390 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, dated as of 08.05.2020, its scheduled completion term was extended till the year 2023.

For completing the CCSUP project, Energoatom attracted the largest loan facility ever provided to the Ukrainian energy sector by the European institutions, namely, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “EBRD”) and the European Atomic Energy Community (“Euratom”), totaling EUR 600 million.

Objective

Improving the operational safety and reliability of NPP power units. Reducing the risks of accidents emerging during natural disasters or other extreme situations. Enhancing the effectiveness of design basis and beyond-design basis accident management at NPPs and mitigation of their consequences.

Funding

In 2018, Resolution No. 924 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine revised the total volume of financing for the CCSUP, stating that the indicative volume of financing for the Program shall consist of allocations from internal funds of the state-owned enterprise NNEGC Energoatom in the total amount of UAH 26.893 billion (without VAT) and proceeds from the EBRD and Euratom loan in the amount of EUR 600 million”.

Major Activities

Equipment shall be replaced with the state-of-the-art equipment which will be safer, more advanced and reliable than the existing one. As of the 1^st of January 2019, 931 out of 1295 measures scheduled for implementation under the CCSUP, were completed.

Outcome

Improved safety level of Ukrainian NPP power units that will meet the highest European standards.

Ukraine-European Union Energy Bridge

The Ukraine-European Energy Bridge Project is designed to create an investment attractive environment, to increase the transmission capacity of cross-border electric networks and meet the objectives of the EU Third Energy Package. In 2015, Energoatom together with NPC Ukrenergo and Polenergia International signed a Memorandum on implementation of the Ukraine-European Union Energy Bridge Project. The Ukraine-EU Energy Bridge is essentially based on the Project launched by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with the aim of modernizing Ukrainian electricity transmission networks for their further synchronization with the European system ENTSO-E.

Possessing capabilities for connection to the EU networks and its electricity market, Ukraine  can become a reliable exporter of electricity for Europe.  

Under the Project, Khmelnitskiy Unit 2 is going to be disconnected from the Unified Energy System of Ukraine (UESU) (currently, some consideration is being given to the feasibility of disconnecting two power units) and then connected to the European system ENTSO-E to allow exporting the electricity in two directions: to Rzeszów (Poland) through the revitalized 750 kV OTL, and to Albertirsa substation (Hungary) through the operational OTL after modernization of Zakhidnoukrainska substation.

Objective

Creating the conditions enabling UESU to become integrated to the European System ENTSO-E. Improving Ukraine’s capabilities of exporting the electricity to EU countries via the extended “Burshtyn Power Island” (and so adding another 1000 MW of nuclear generated electricity to the existing export capabilities).

Funding

The estimated cost of the scope of works to be performed by Energoatom on the Ukrainian part, is UAH 1.358 billion. In order to implement the Project, Energoatom has been using its internal funds and funds provided by a private partner who was selected upon results of the international tender.

Major Activities

Rehabilitation of the 750 kV outdoor switchgear;  modernization of KhNPP Unit 2 systems and components; rehabilitation of in-house power supply circuit of KhNPP Unit 2.

Outcome

Energoatom will become a player in the EU electricity market, once UESU and ENTSO-E have been integrated creating a mechanism for financial security of the development of nuclear power generating capacities in Ukraine.

Construction of the Central Spent Fuel Storage Facility

Construction of a Central Storage Facility for spent fuel of Ukrainian VVER - type NPPs is one of the most important projects of Energoatom, which is essential not only to nuclear generation but also to Ukraine as a country at large.

When completed, the Project will significantly strengthen the energy security and improve energy self-reliance of Ukraine. Energoatom is the only company in the world, which, while operating Russian-designed VVER - reactors, was able to diversify the sources of fresh fuel supplies for Ukrainian NPPs. 746 Westinghouse fuel assemblies were in operation as at 1 January 2020, loaded into cores of six power units in Ukraine. Once fully operational, the CSFSF will help support the policies of supply diversification and resolve problems with storage of spent fuel from Ukrainian NPPs, having regard to various sources of fuel supplies. The construction started in 2017, and civil work structures of the facility as at the beginning of 2020 were 97% complete.

The U.S.- based Company Holtec International whose technology is used in building the facility, is a partner of Energoatom under this Central Spent Fuel Storage Facility Project.

On 21 December 2017, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, NNEGC Energoatom, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC, USA) and Central Storage Safety Project Trust signed agreements to arrange for the credit financing in the amount of USD 250 million for construction of the Central Spent Fuel Storage Facility in Ukraine. On 14 February 2018, in Washington D.C., NNEGC Energoatom and Bank of America Merrill Lynch as Lead Arranger of bond placement in US capital markets, approved final terms and conditions of the financing for construction of the CSFSF in Ukraine, totaling USD 250 million.

Objective

The CSFSF will provide domestic capabilities for safe long-term storage of spent fuel in Ukraine. Ukraine will fulfil its international commitments to secure the safe management of spent fuel resulted from operation of Ukrainian NPPs.

Funding

The total estimated cost of the CSFSF construction is UAH 37.217 billion (including the estimated cost of the 1^st start-up complex amounting to UAH 4.761 billion). The source of financing: the Company’ s internal funds and external funds obtained by the Company.

Major Activities

Construction of the CSFSF site; manufacturing of equipment and special casks for spent fuel using Holtec International’ s technology. A series of preparatory works are now underway at three NPP sites in Ukraine to enable the transportation of spent fuel to the CSFSF. Commissioning of the first start-up complex of the CSFSF has been scheduled for late 2020. Since 2021, no spent fuel will be shipped from Rivne, Khmelnitskiy ans South Ukraine NPPs for re-processioning and storage at the specialized enterprises in the Russian Federation.

Outcome

When commissioned, the CSFSF will help Ukraine to avoid significant annual costs. As of today,  the volume of spent fuel, expressed in monetary terms, which is annually dispatched to Russia’s radiochemical reprocessing facilities, amounts to approximately USD 200 million. Construction and operation of the CSFSF will result in creating new jobs for the local public and the personnel resigning from Chornobyl NPP, and also will attract more investments  to the social sector in Ivankiv and Polissya districts, and the town of Slavutych in Kyiv region.

Introduction of Complex Radioactive Waste Treatment Lines

Over the recent years, several projects have been implemented for Ukrainian NPPs with a view to introducing the advanced technologies of radioactive waste (RAW) treatment. However, despite an overall trend towards continuous reduction in radioactive waste generation,  efforts on its further minimisation have been never stopped. One of the major measures focused on improving the RAW management system for NPPs involves introduction of the complexes for radioactive waste treatment (RAWTC) using the advanced equipment and proven modern technologies, such as, radioactive waste incineration, super-compaction and decontamination. RAW treatment technologies have been selected taking into account the best international practices, IAEA’ s and EC’ s recommendations.

Once introduced at each sites of NPPs in operation, RAWTC will help optimize the deployment of waste storage facilities, significantly decrease accumulated waste volumes  and upgrade the safety level in RAW management.

In 2019, a radioactive waste complex was commissioned at Rivne NPP. That facility became the second RAWTC after the complex put into operation at ZNPP, which was designed to significantly enhance the RAW management at NPP in Ukraine. Also, in the same year, the Company put into operation the equipment for radioactive waste data sheet production (pasportyzator) as a part of Phase 1 of the Project on construction of a solid radioactive waste treatment complex (SRAWTC) for SUNPP.

Objective

Implementation of technologies for radioactive waste treatment: conditioning of radioactive waste to permit its transfer for further long-term storage or disposal.

Funding

The total estimated cost of construction is UAH 3.157 billion including EUR 21.4 million   provided by the EU-sponsored Technical Assistance Program Tacis. As of 1 January  2019, works were completed and equipment was bought, totally valued at UAH 1 billion, and the assistance provided through the Tacis program was fully assimilated. 

Major activities

RAW treatment complexes were put into commercial operation at Zaporizhzhya and Rivne NPPs. The RAWTC Construction Project has been proceeding forward at KhNPP, and the  RAWTC Construction Project for SUNPP is being adjusted taking into account the lessons learnt.

Outcome

Once fully introduced at Ukrainian NPPs, the complex radioactive waste treatment lines will allow significantly reducing the volumes of accumulated radioactive waste.

Solar Power Plant “Sonechko-1”  

The core business and specifics of its activities allow NNEGC Energoatom to significantly contribute to developing two branches of the renewable energy sector, such as: hydro power and solar energy. The company has got, within its structure, Olexandrivska HEPP and Tashlyk HPSPP. Over the recent years, the solar electricity market in Ukraine has been demonstrating the record-beating growth rate, according to DerzhEnergoEffectyvnist, between 2015 and 2019 the overall capacity of solar power plants (SPPs) increased almost eight-fold in Ukraine: from 432 MW to 3420 MW.  Such rise became possible due to a very attractive “green” tariff rate, and the state-owned Energoatom is fully capable to earn money for the state by operating in that market. At the same time, constructing SPPs on sites of nuclear power plants would improve the operational safety of NPP power units since the solar power plants, when built, will serve as additional stand-by sources of emergency power supply for power units.

The pilot project launched by NNEGC Energoatom in the solar energy field provides for constructing a solar power plant with a total capacity of 13.2 MW in the area of a cooling pond of Zaporizhzhya NPP.  Two similar SPPs are expected to be built on both SUNPP and KhNPP sites.

Objective

Construction of a solar power plant with a total capacity of 13.2 MW in the area of a cooling pond of SS Zaporizhzhya NPP.

Outcome

Average annual electricity production in the Unified Energy System of Ukraine will be  increased by 16,705 MW*h/year.

Funding

The total estimated cost of the Project is UAH 399 million. Such funding is expected to be obtained from external crediting sources.

Major Activities

Installation of 48, 960 solar modules (rated 270 W each) and 340 inverters (40 kW each). Construction of a 35/6 kV substation (two 10 MVA transformers), and development of the required infrastructure.

PROJECTS ON THE SOUTH UKRAINE POWER COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT

Completion of the Tashlyk Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Power Plant

The Tashlyk Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Power Plant (the THPSPP) is a component of the South Ukraine Power Complex and serves as a kind of water accumulator. Water in the THPSPP upper reservoir is readily available at any time to be used for electricity production during peak consumption periods. The shortfall in flexible capacities available for use within the Unified Energy System of Ukraine makes this project so pressing and essential to Ukraine.

Objective

Operation of the THPSPP at full design capacity (as of today, only 2 out of 6 storage pumps, stipulated by the original design, are in cooperation).

Funding

The adjusted project cost is UAH 14.254 billion (including the estimated cost of the second construction stage, totalling UAH 3.832 billion). Sources of funding: internal funds of the Company and external funds provided by international financial institutions.

Major Activities

• Year 2020: a positive Conclusion on the Environmental Impact Assessment shall be obtained. Equipment procurement procedures for storage pump No. 3 shall be completed and installation works shall start.
• Year 2021: storage pump No.3 with a design capacity of 131 MW shall be put into pilot operation.
• Year 2022: civil works shall be finalized, and a cutoff dam shall be put into service on Tashlyk water reservoir, a cooling pond of  SUNPP.
• Years 2023-2024: storage pumps No. 4, 5 and 6 shall be de-preserved and put into  operation, and the capacity of THPSPP shall be raised to its design level of 906 MW.

Outcome

Covering the shortfall in highly flexible generating capacities and creating a reserve of stand-by capacities for electricity production during peak consumption. Solving the problem with water supplies in Mykolayiv region.

Modernization of the Service Water Supply System at South Ukraine NPP

Once implemented, the Project on modernization of the service water supply system for SUNPP will allow avoiding losses in electricity production, which are experienced by SUNPP because of high temperature of circulating water, and lifting the restrictions imposed on the plant output due to inadequate cooling capacity of Tashlyk water reservoir during hot summer seasons. As a result, the power plant will be able to increase its annual electricity production by 3-15%.

Objective

Lifting the restrictions imposed on SUNPP electricity production in summer due to high temperature of water in cooling systems.

Funding

Internal funds of the Company.

Major Activities

There is some planning to implement a series of inter-related projects, i.e., construction of five spay ponds; installation of an afflux bank in the water area of Tashlyk water reservoir; construction of a complex of facilities meant for filling and making up the cooling pond of SUNPP. The first stage and the second stage are expected to be put into operation in late 2020 and in 2021, respectively.

Outcome

Average annual electricity production will be increased by 700 million kW*h without construction of new generating capacities.

Rehabilitation of 750 kV Outdoor Switchgear at Zaporizhzhya NPP

The Project shall improve the operational reliability of the southern part of UESU, lift restrictions imposed on power output of Zaporizhzhya NPP, and shall increase the transmission capacity of intersections in the southern part of  UESU.

Objective

Lifting the restrictions imposed on power output of Zaporizhzhya NPP that will secure reliable electricity supplies for the southern Ukraine.

Funding

The estimated cost of construction is UAH 894 million. Source of funding: internal funds of the Company.

Major Activities

The operating 750 kV outdoor switchgear shall be extended to permit connection of the 750 kV overhead transmission line (OTL) “Zaporizhzhya NPP – Kakhovska”. In 2020, after work completion on “Zaporizhzhya NPP - Kakhovska” OTL (falling into the area of responsibility of NPC Ukrenergo), the 750 kV outdoor switchgear of SS ZNPP will be put into commercial operation.

Outcome

It is expected that with fully operational renovated 750 kV outdoor switchgear, 841 million kW*h will be added to the annual electricity output.

Construction of a Building of the Technical Centre for Automated Remote Metal Inspection Equipment at Rivne NPP

The purpose of the Technical Centre for Automated Remote Metal Inspection Equipment is to provide the maintenance and servicing of electronic and mechanical equipment for automated remote metal inspection systems, to train the personnel in servicing of systems and processing of the data acquired.

Objective

A new advanced Technical Centre shall become the only facility that will accommodate and concentrate all high-tech and unique systems for remote metal inspection at RNPP.

Funding

The estimated construction cost is UAH 177 million. Source of funding: the Company’s internal funds.

Major Activities

Construction of an administration & amenity building and an industrial building. Construction of process piping racks, an open storage yard for equipment, and a motor road.

Outcome

Concentration of all large-size maintenance equipment meant for RNPP Units 1 and 2 in one single location. Creation of relevant working environment for the personnel, sites for storage and servicing of remote inspection and maintenance systems, qualification of new technologies.