On November 15, South Ukraine NPP hosted a conference "Nuclear Power and the Environment" organized by Energoatom and South Ukraine NPP professionals. The event was attended by members of environmental NGOs, environmental experts, scientists, lawyers, and representatives of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society.
Together, the conference attendees discussed:
current state and development prospects of the South Ukraine Power Complex;
environmental aspects of the South Ukraine Power Complex operation;
the strategy for the development of the nuclear industry in Ukraine;
the impact of nuclear power on achieving sustainable development and climate protection goals.
Environmental protection is one of the crucial aspects of Energoatom's operation. Despite the martial law, the Company makes efforts to increase funding for environmental protection measures. In particular, environmental and chemical laboratories were modernized at all NPP sites.
According to Lyudmyla Tsyhanok, President of the Association of Environmental Professionals, the state's environmental and energy policy under martial law and blackouts is a complex issue. At the same time, it is impossible to build the future on the priorities of survival in war.
“It has been proven that nuclear generation is one of the safest options for energy production when properly operated. Meanwhile, Ukraine must create the basis for the restoration of a decarbonized economy. So I believe that in the discussions we will try to get answers to the questions that interest us,” she said.
An important topic for discussion was the implementation of the project to complete the construction of the Tashlyk HPSPP. After all, the operation of hydro and pumped storage power plants, which are part of the South Ukraine Power Complex, is essential for balancing the Ukrainian power system. In particular, during the day, when electricity consumption is high, Tashlyk HPSPP adds additional capacity to the system, covering the so-called peak loads, while at night, when electricity demand drops, it accumulates energy to be used again during the day.
Furthermore, in the context of constant enemy attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine has an urgent need for load-following capacities. Therefore, the completion of such power plants is a step towards strengthening the energy security of our country.
“We need balancing capacities. One of the ways is pumped storage plants. Such as Tashlyk HPSPP, which allows accumulating, balancing, and more stable operation of nuclear generation,” said Vyacheslav Stoyanov, Director General of South Ukraine NPP.
“It is important for Energoatom to maintain a dialogue with the public, including environmental organizations. Discussing existing challenges jointly with environmental experts, thorough analysis, and exchange of experience is the key to their successful resolution,” said the Company's CEO Petro Kotin.
