British Minister for Energy Grant Shapps revealed a significant boost for Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on Tuesday.
The United Kingdom pledged £192 million (about $245 million) to assist Ukraine in procuring nuclear fuel for its atomic power plants.
Speaking to Reuters during his visit, Shapps highlighted that “This guarantee that we will be providing is to help Ukraine ensure that … their nuclear fuel doesn’t have to come via Russia in future,” Shapps told Reuters.
He further emphasized that this funding would ensure sourcing from far more secure and diverse channels.
Shapps underscored that among the companies set to provide nuclear fuel to Ukraine is the international consortium “Urenco,” which includes the participation of the UK.
Ukraine currently operates three atomic power plants: Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, and South Ukraine. All of these facilities rely on Russian nuclear fuel.
The existing contracts between Ukraine and the Russian institution “Rosatom” are valid until 2025.
It’s worth noting that Ukraine announced its decision last year to phase out the purchase of Russian nuclear fuel and intends to replace it with fuel produced by the American company “Westinghouse,” starting next year.
This move is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to enhance its energy independence and diversify its energy sources.
