On May 26, the International Scientific Conference “Current Issues of Mechanics and Machine Science – 2026” commenced. The G.S. Pysarenko Institute of Strength Problems of the NAS of Ukraine organized that event. It took place across various locations and brought together eight thematic sections, including the energy one.
On May 27-28, at JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” worked Section No. 8 “Strength of materials and structural elements of nuclear power plant equipment”. It involved about 100 participants – scientists, nuclear professionals, and representatives of related companies. The organizers of this conference section were Energoatom, the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, and SE “State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety”.
Before the presentations began, Oleksandr Chyrkov, Director of the G.S. Pysarenko Institute of Strength Problems of the NAS of Ukraine and Corresponding Member of NAS of Ukraine, addressed the participants. He emphasized that nuclear generation currently plays a key role in providing citizens with electricity and is of high importance for the functioning of economy and the vital activities of our state.
Ruslan Karykov, Acting Technical Director of Energoatom, stressed the importance of cooperation with the NAS of Ukraine, primaly in terms of scientific support. At the same time, such events are the opportunities for specialists to exchange knowledge and experience, as well as apply them in practical activities.
The section program included more than 40 presentations. Specialists from the Directorate of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom”, domestic NPPs, Affiliate “SS “Scientific Technical Center”, and representatives of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety presented their scientific developments. The key topics included extending the service life of Ukrainian power units; calculation for strength and seismic resistance of reactor components, equipment, pipelines, buildings, and structures to justify the possibility of long-term operation; reassessment of power unit safety during long-term operation; preparation of a power unit for the next safety reassessment.
Serhii Radchenko, Deputy Director for Reliability and Lifetime of the Affiliate “SS “Scientific Technical Center”, stressed the high level of the presentations made and their practical significance for the Ukrainian nuclear industry, as the speeches were based on real experience integrated into domestic engineering practice.
Representatives of the Czech Nuclear Research Institute (ÚJV Řež) the U.S. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the International Atomic Energy Agency and Joint Research Center of the European Commission were also involved in the section activities.
Volodymyr Kholosha, President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, emphasized the importance of the discussion held in the context of current industry challenges – such as extending the service life of domestic NPPs, as well as aligning national norms and standards with European requirements.
