Extension of Zaporizhia NPP operation will strengthen the country's energy security, says Denys Shmyhal
The possibility of further safe operation of Zaporizhia NPP power units with repeated extension of the service life will be an important contribution to strengthening the country's energy security. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a working trip to Zaporizhia region.
The Head of Government got familiarized with the activities of Zaporizhia nuclear power station Energoatom, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. According to the enterprise, 5 power units of Zaporizhia NPP have already been extended for 10 years, large-scale reconstruction and modernization have been carried out, modern equipment has been installed, innovative systems have been introduced. Currently, work is underway to extend the operating life of the energy unit № 6.
"Zaporizhia NPP occupies an important place in the economy of Ukraine. Today, the 6-gigawatt power plant generates almost 40 percent of all electricity produced by Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and one-fifth of the country’s total electricity production into a unified power system," Denys Shmyhal said.
At the end of 2020, during the Prime Minister’s working trip to Kherson region, the 750 kV overhead transmission line Zaporizhia NPP - Kakhovka substation was inaugurated. According to him, now the plant's six power units can operate without any network restrictions at a capacity of 6,000 MW.
"The new line has significantly improved the power supply of the southern region of Ukraine, and in the long run - will be important in synchronizing the Ukrainian power system with the European network ENTSO-E," said Denys Shmyhal.
Acting General Director of Zaporizhia NPP Dmytro Verbytskyi reported that the plant is ready to operate all 6 power units during the autumn-winter heating period.
Zaporizhia NPP is also one of three nuclear power plants in Ukraine that produce medical oxygen for Ukrainian hospitals to help COVID-19 patients in need of oxygen support.
