Zelenskyy explained why it is important to complete the construction of the Khmelnytskyi NPP

Zelenskyy explained why it is important to complete the construction of the Khmelnytskyi NPP

The vote in the Verkhovna Rada regarding the purchase of two nuclear power units from Bulgaria was the last chance this month for the expansion of the Khmelnytskyi NPP. The Ukrainian authorities had already received signals from Bulgaria that the deal might fail.

This was reported by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to journalists during a visit to the KhNPP. According to him, the expansion of the power plant will ensure Ukraine’s energy security, create jobs, and allow for the maintenance of "reasonable" electricity prices.

"This was an urgent decision; we had the last chance this month. After this, we are confident that the Bulgarian side would no longer be interested in this cooperation – we received such signals. Therefore, this was the last possible opportunity, and, God willing, we will complete it. We will do everything," the president assured.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainians – energy workers, military, builders – together overcame the Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin’s desire to "disconnect Ukrainians from life." Therefore, Russia cannot cause a blackout in Ukraine.

"This (expansion of units No.3 and No.4 at KhNPP. – Ed.) is a grand, I am not afraid of the word, project. God willing, we will complete it. But the first steps have already been made: we separated from cooperation with the Russians, thanks to our cooperation with Westinghouse (this was before Russia’s full-scale invasion). Today, we are completely independent. We also had the opportunity before the full-scale invasion to negotiate with the Bulgarian side to complete 2 units and have more than 2 GW," Zelenskyy said.

He reminded that due to damages, the Ukrainian energy system lacks 2 GW, so the completion of the two power units at Khmelnytskyi NPP will compensate for this and ensure stable energy supply. Furthermore, in peacetime, this will support businesses and industries.

"This will be the largest energy base in Ukraine, the largest station in Ukraine, with a total of 6.4 GW. The largest station in Europe (I do not want to say ’was’) is not operational; it is currently under temporary occupation in the city of Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia NPP. There it’s 6 GW. And this, Khmelnytskyi, will be the largest," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.

The expansion of power units No.3 and No.4 at KhNPP will also allow for selling excess electricity abroad and reducing electricity costs for the population. Furthermore, it will create a large number of jobs.

"And after we connected to the European network, everyone understands that this is a surplus. And when there is peace, then this is earnings, very good," the president emphasized.