Щодо будівництва нових ядерних енергоблоків в Україні

Abstract

The article provides information on the pace of construction and commissioning of nuclear power units at nuclear power plants in the world over the past 60 years. Nuclear energy is the most important factor in ensuring the energy independence of Ukraine. As of 2022, 80% of the entire fleet of Ukrainian nuclear power units (12 out of 15) have already been in operation for more than 30 years. In the world, this figure is 68%. Two power units with VVER-440 reactors have been in operation for more than 40 years, and by 2028 the number of power units at Ukrainian NPPs, that have been in operation for more than 40 years, will increase to 10. Therefore, the need and importance of introducing a program for the construction of new nuclear power units to ensure energy independence of Ukraine are obvious. The article discusses the most important characteristics of the modern AP1000 reactor unit, which is licensed in the USA, Canada and some other countries. Information is presented on the advantages of the AP1000 project over other modern reactor plants EPR-1750, APR-1400, VVER-1200, as well as issues that need to be paid special attention, when performing the relevant stages of work on the justification and implementation of the AP1000 technology in the nuclear power industry of Ukraine. For example, the installed capacity utilization factor of operating power units with EPR-1750, APR-1400, VVER-1200 is lower than for АР1000. When justifying the decision to choose AP1000, it is necessary to pay attention to the already known problematic issues of implementing Westinghouse technology. It is recommended to involve the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the work, related to the scientific and technical substantiation of the choice of promising nuclear installations for Ukrainian NPPs.