On September 24–25, Kyiv hosted the 8th International Scientific and Technical Conference of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society – Nuclear Next-2026: “Prospects for Implementing Innovations in Nuclear Energy.”

The opening of the event brought together representatives of the leadership and leading organizations of Ukraine’s nuclear industry, including Acting CEO of JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom” Oleksandr Ostapovets, President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society Volodymyr Kholosha, Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine Oleh Korikov, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, research institutions, and international partner organizations.

“Nuclear energy remains the foundation of Ukraine’s entire power sector. Together with our colleagues, we provide Ukraine with electricity and heat. NNEGC fully supports the topic of this year’s conference: development and innovation are critically important for the country’s progress and stability. We must implement our plans together with the scientific community and industry, with the support of the state – this is the key to success. I wish all conference participants productive discussions and the development of effective steps to strengthen the industry,” said Acting CEO of Energoatom Oleksandr Ostapovets.

President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society Volodymyr Kholosha noted that the event should create synergy and provide momentum for the nuclear sector.

“This year, we have managed to bring together more than 80 conference speakers representing various areas – from lawmakers and international partners to operating organizations and scientific and methodological institutions. Nuclear energy has unique prospects for development, so work on introducing new technologies and innovations must begin now. The conference platform should bring together the views of representatives from different areas of the industry, initiate a meaningful discussion, and facilitate the development of important solutions,” he said.

This year’s NUCNEXT-2026 focused on issues that will shape the future development of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. Key topics included the construction of new nuclear power units, lifetime extension of existing generating capacity, the development of reactor technologies, the introduction of innovations, new materials, and improvements in the safety and efficiency of nuclear power generation.

For Energoatom, platforms such as this provide an opportunity to bring together the experience of the operating organization, scientists, designers, equipment manufacturers, and international partners around a common goal – shaping the technological future of Ukraine’s nuclear  sector. An important part of the conference was the proposals that could find practical application in the industry.