2 Mar (NucNet): Holtec International and Energoatom, Ukraine’s national nuclear operator, have signed a memorandum of understanding for Ukraine to adopt Holtec’s SMR-160 small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the latter half of the next decade.
Under the agreement with US-based Holtec, Ukraine will become a manufacturing hub for SMR-160 components and systems mirroring the capabilities of Holtec’s Camden plant in New York state. Holtec said its business plan calls for having four manufacturing plants around the globe operational by mid-2020s.
Holtec is also in talks with leading Ukrainian suppliers of specialty machinery such as turbogenerators to integrate their products in SMR-160.
According to Holtec, Energoatom intends to replace, as a pilot project, two VVER-440 power units of the Rivne nuclear power station with SMR-160 modular reactors.
Holtec said nuclear power plays a key role in ensuring Ukraine’s energy security with its 15 commercial nuclear units providing more than half of the electricity consumed in the country.
“Now, by moving energetically to become the first mover in Holtec’s small modular reactor programme, Ukraine expects to become a world leader in the emerging small modular reactor industry,” Holtec said.
The SMR-160 is a small modular pressurised water reactor with a design electrical output of 160 MW. Development began in 2011.
In February 2018 Holtec, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Global Nuclear Fuel announced a collaboration to further develop the SMR-160, which Holtec intends to deploy globally. The collaboration will initially include nuclear fuel development supported by GNF and control rod drive mechanisms designed by GEH.
