Denys Shmyhal: Ukraine seeks OECD Nuclear Energy Agency membership

Ukraine is applying for membership in the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal at the Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026 Ministerial Conference, currently taking place in Paris.

“We count on the support of the Agency’s member countries on this path, and we are ready to contribute our experience and expertise,” noted the Minister of Energy.  According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s accession to the Agency will mark a step toward full OECD membership.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy emphasised that over more than four years of full-scale war, Ukraine's nuclear energy sector has gained unique experience that could prove valuable for other countries.

In particular, Denys Shmyhal stressed the need to factor in security challenges as early as the design stage of nuclear facilities. A reactor, he noted, is only as safe as the infrastructure surrounding it. That is why engineering shelters for critical components, multi-layered backup power supply, and the ability to operate in "energy island" mode must all be built into the design from the outset.

The Minister of Energy noted in anvance, that Ukraine’s experience is technically possible to abandon Russian fual. Ukraine was the first to load alternative Westinghouse fuel into VVER-1000 and VVER-440 reactors (of an improved design). Moreover, the domestic production of components for Westinghouse fuel assemblies for VVER-1000 reactors has been launched. The next strategic step is being implemented – the creation in Ukraine of capacities for nuclear fuel assembly.

Denys Shmyhal also emphasized on the need to ensure security and resilience of supply chains in nuclear energy. He mentioned a long-term partnership with Cameco in securing uranium supplies, as well as cooperation with Urenco guaranteeing uranium enrichment services. Ukraine aims to meet at least 30% of the needs of its VVER reactor fleet through domestic production and to localize up to 100% of the fuel assembly requirements for VVER-1000 reactors.

In addition, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy underlined the importance of a viable financial model and long-term investment. According to him, the implementation of nuclear projects requires a combination of technology, financing, industrial cooperation, and long-term partnerships. He also noted that Ukraine plans to increase the capacity of its interconnectors with Europe from 2.4 GW to 4.5 GW, creating additional opportunities for electricity exports.

The Minister of Energy also paid particular attention to training specialists for the future development of nuclear energy. Expanding nuclear capacity will require a new generation of engineers and designers, builders and installers, operators, scientists, and regulators. Education, training, research, and professional exchange must therefore become one of the priorities of international nuclear cooperation.

"Ukraine has unique experience in ensuring nuclear and radiation safety under conditions of full-scale war. This is something that can protect Europe and the world, and safeguard them against many threats," Denys Shmyhal added.