Energoatom and Holtec International strengthen nuclear partnership

Ukraine consolidates its energy security by intensifying its collaboration with Holtec International for the deployment of modular reactors and spent fuel management.

Share:

Accord Energoatom Holtec International

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The recent online signing of the agreement between Energoatom and Holtec International, observed by Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, marks a crucial step forward for nuclear power in Ukraine. The agreement covers the deployment of Holtec’s SMRs and the efficient management of spent nuclear fuel.

The strategic role of partnership in energy security

Petro Kotin, acting president of Energoatom, stresses the importance of the agreement for the Ukrainian energy sector and the national economy, while the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant is under attack from Russian drones. The project envisages the creation of nuclear power generation facilities that will enhance Ukraine’s energy security and stimulate its economic development.

Industrial and economic implications

Shawn Anderson of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine emphasized the impact of the Master Agreement for the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility in Ukraine. This facility will be dedicated to the local production of equipment for Holtec’s SMRs, as well as systems for the storage and transportation of spent nuclear fuel, thus promoting Ukraine’s energy security and autonomy.

Technical advances and upcoming projects

Holtec has been working on its SMR unit since 2011, with significant evolutions in the design, notably for the SMR-300. This pressurized water reactor can produce around 300 MW of electrical energy or 1050 MW of thermal power for industrial applications, while remaining safe even in the absence of human intervention.

Future commitments and local construction

In November, Holtec and Energoatom announced plans to build a plant in Ukraine for the production of containers, currently manufactured in the USA, for the storage of spent nuclear fuel. This follows the commissioning in 2022 of Holtec’s centralized spent fuel storage facility in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, a project initiated in 2005.

Thus, the agreement between Energoatom and Holtec International is a significant step towards Ukraine’s empowerment in the nuclear energy sector, offering prospects for enhanced energy security and economic development through technological innovation and local production.

French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Niger expands its mining alliances with Uranium One to develop new sites, while the Dasa project continues seeking financing despite clear political backing.
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor has passed a key regulatory hurdle in the United Kingdom, opening the door to potential commercial deployment, despite no current plans for construction.
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.