On April 29, at 8:05 PM, Unit 3 of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,000 MW, was disconnected from the grid following an automation system activation. This incident has raised concerns about the overall power generation capacity in Ukraine.
Andriy Gerus, head of the parliamentary energy committee, reported that the total operational capacity of Energoatom’s nuclear units has dropped to 7,300 MW. Just a few months ago, the capacity was significantly higher at 11,400 MW, reflecting a 56% decrease in available nuclear power.
Gerus indicated that the inactive nuclear units would be replaced by coal-fired power plants to meet energy demands. This shift comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of Ukraine’s energy strategy.
Previously, former MP and member of the supervisory board of Ukrzaliznytsia, Serhiy Leshchenko, revealed that acting Energy Minister Olha Buslavets proposed halting three nuclear units, totaling 3,000 MW, and reducing output from five additional units. These proposals have sparked controversy, with Gerus opposing such extensive shutdowns.
The Rivne Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 3 was shut down due to an automation trigger, leading to a significant drop in Ukraine's nuclear power capacity. Ongoing discussions about energy strategy and potential coal replacements are raising concerns among officials.