On September 25-26, the National Academy of Ukraine hosted the VII International Scientific and Technical Conference NUCNEXT-2025: “Prospects for Implementing Innovations in Nuclear Energy.” The event brought together over 200 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Energoatom, people's deputies, leading scientists, and young professionals. The conference was organized by the Ukrainian Nuclear Society in partnership with JSC “NNEGC ”Energoatom“.
During the conference, participants discussed the following important topics:
- Ukraine's energy development strategy and the role of the nuclear sector in the country's energy security;
- global trends in the nuclear industry;
- innovative requirements for the nuclear industry dictated by the martial law in Ukraine;
- challenges and threats to the nuclear sector in wartime, in particular, the impact of the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP on nuclear and radiation safety;
- life extension of power units and the construction of new ones, as well as strengthening nuclear education and innovation in the field of radiation protection.
In his speech, Pavlo Kovtonyuk, Acting CEO of Energoatom, highlighted the role of nuclear power professionals during the full-scale war with russia. According to him, Energoatom is developing new technologies, enhancing the safety of nuclear power units, and forming international partnerships, thereby shaping a modern vision of future nuclear energy.
"Despite difficult times for the entire country, the nuclear industry is moving forward with confidence: we are modernizing our facilities, introducing new technologies, and making plans for the development of nuclear energy. Thanks to this, Energoatom remains the foundation of the country's energy stability. The enemy's attacks on our energy infrastructure have not broken us, but only strengthened us. The dedication and professionalism of nuclear workers are a source of light, warmth, and hope for a better future for millions of Ukrainians," emphasized the head of Energoatom.
At a panel discussion on the challenges and threats to the nuclear industry in wartime, panelists discussed the situation at the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP. Ihor Ivanov, Director of the Department of Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Industry at the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, said that the occupation of the ZNPP is the biggest challenge for the nuclear sector.
"There is a military contingent and unauthorized russian personnel permanently stationed at the ZNPP site. The power plant has already experienced its 10th blackout, posing a direct threat of a radiation accident not only for Ukraine but also for the entire mainland Europe. The plant's equipment is highly degraded, which indicates that the enemy is unable to operate the ZNPP safely. We are working with our partners to return the plant to legitimate Ukrainian control," said Ihor Ivanov.
Leading experts noted that the global nuclear industry is experiencing a renaissance driven by the commitment to decarbonization and energy security. European countries are returning to the operation of nuclear power plants and the construction of new power units.
The President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, Volodymyr Kholosha, stressed the importance of holding scientific and technical conferences dedicated to the development of the nuclear industry, even in wartime.
“It is crucial that we keep holding such events when russia is trying to destroy Ukraine's energy sector. After all, nuclear generation is the backbone of electricity in Ukraine. We need to build new capacity and strengthen innovation in the field of radiation protection,” said Volodymyr Kholosha.
The conference lasted two days, covered seven thematic panels and a wide range of issues – from the latest scientific research and technological solutions to improving the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants. The event confirmed the significantly high potential of Ukrainian scientific schools and engineering thought, which are shaping the future of Ukraine's nuclear energy sector.




