Small Modular Reactors to Be Introduced at DTEK Coal-Steam Plants

The Denetek LLC, which was established to ensure the partnership between DTEK, Ukrainian energy company, and Eney, U.S. decarbonization investment company, has announced the introduction of small modular reactors (SMR) at DTEK coal-steam plants. This will contribute to the strengthening of the regional safety and acceleration of decarbonization of Ukrainian power sector. Attraction of investments and experience of the private sector will be crucial in realization of this goal.

For the selection of technologies and development of projects, Denetek LLC uses the recommendations of EPRI – an independent, non-commercial electric power research institute. The EPRI’s activities are aimed at ensuring the reliable operation and maintenance of operating nuclear power plants, as well as at supporting the development and deployment of contemporary reactors to meet the energy needs and contribute to the decarbonization of the power sector.

Among the advantages of Ukraine which will contribute to the early deployment of SMR, Denetek LLC points out the following:

Almost 30% of electricity in Ukraine is generated by the coal-steam plants, 70% of which are private, so they are easier to replace. Most of the coal-steam plants belong to DTEK.

Implementation of a transformative energy policy aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 65% by 2030. The decrease of electricity consumption due to the full-scale invasion of russian federation to Ukraine makes it possible to replace the coal-steam plants by SMR with less obstacles and competing factors which should be balanced.

Low level of nimbyism (people object to any proposed developments and construction of infrastructural, industrial, cultural and other facilities due to the close distance to their place of residence), availability of free land, desire to recover the country as soon as possible after the war.

Ukraine has well-developed nuclear infrastructure.

Strategic international support by the USA and European countries in the field of energy transfer.

The integration of Ukraine to ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Energy) in March 2022 revealed a huge potential for the export of ecologically clean Ukrainian electricity to Europe. The demand for clean energy will only increase.

Denetek LLC limited the selection of potential SMR suppliers by the most mature, cost-effective and safe technologies and will soon announce the final results of selection. In addition, the company is working on creation of a basis for SMR regional industry by development and integration of the local supply chains to ensure rapid and efficient implementation of this technology both in Ukraine and in other countries.