On October 3, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant hosted its second on-site meeting to review potential locations for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) proposed by Chornobyl NPP and discuss land allocation matters.

Representatives from the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management (SAUEZM), specialists from NNEGC Energoatom and Chornobyl NPP visited several locations within the Exclusion Zone and around the plant. This was followed by a technical discussion on the suitability of these sites for future SMR construction.

As part of Ukraine's Energy Strategy, which outlines plans for new power units using SMR technology, NNEGC Energoatom has signed a number of memorandums of cooperation with recognized global leaders in SMR technology, including Witkowitz Atomica, Holtec International, Westinghouse Electric Company, and NuScale Power.

Given that SMRs are nuclear installations, this work falls within the nuclear energy sector. Personnel involved in both the construction and operation of these reactors must have the appropriate qualifications, be well-versed in the regulatory framework governing nuclear energy, and hold the necessary licenses in accordance with Ukraine’s law “On Permitting Activities in the Field of Nuclear Energy Use.”

Reference: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are defined as reactor installations with an electrical output of 10–300 MW or a thermal output of less than 1,000 MW. Their modular nature allows for systems and components to be assembled in a factory and transported as a single unit to the installation site.