Ukraine has put into operation Centralized Spent Fuel Storage Facility – Ministry of Energy
Despite the threats of wartime, Ukraine commissioned the Centralized Spent Fuel Storage Facility (CSFSF).
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to the Ministry of Energy.
"We have to pay tribute to the courage and bravery of our Ukrainian colleagues, led by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko and the head of Energoatom Petro Kotin, who led the successful commissioning and transportation of spent nuclear fuel from the country's operating reactors to the world's first dry CSFSF," the partners said.
The Ministry also reminds that the construction of the storage facility, designed in partnership with Holtec International, was completed despite martial law and all the risks. And last year, Energoatom began full-scale transportation of spent nuclear fuel from domestic NPPs to the CSFSF. The launch of the storage facility allowed Ukraine to get rid of its dependence on Russia and is an extremely important achievement that is crucial for the further operation of power units.
"We thank our partners from Holtec International for their cooperation aimed at strengthening Ukraine's energy security and independence. After the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine refused any cooperation with the aggressor in the field of nuclear technology. And the launch of the storage facility is an important tool for achieving our goals," said Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko.
As noted, the CSFSF is equipped with several patented Holtec designs that make the facility extremely resistant to natural and man-made threats.
In 2023, 13 spent fuel casks from three Ukrainian NPPs were placed at the storage site. This saved more than $150 million on spent fuel transportation and storage. Thus, one year of CSFSF operation has already fully covered the costs of its construction.
The Ministry of Energy also reminded that Energoatom and Holtec International plan to build a plant in Ukraine to produce spent nuclear fuel containers for the CSFSF, which are currently manufactured in the United States. Relevant agreements were reached during Halushchenko's visit to Washington in November 2023.
Cooperation with the American company is also ongoing in the deployment and construction of Holtec small modular reactors in Ukraine.
