SMOLINE – Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said that the launch of the construction of a nuclear fuel plant in Smoline, Kirovohrad region, is a step by Ukraine towards energy independence.
“Today we have launched a big project, the biggest one in the years
of Ukraine’s independence, to ensure the energy independence of our
country,” the premier told journalists after a ceremony to mark the
start of the construction of the plant in Kirovohrad region.
According to Azarov, the first part of the plant will be finished in
2015, and the construction in general will be finished by 2020. The
plant will produce nuclear fuel for all of the nuclear reactors in
Ukraine.
The prime minister of Ukraine also noted that the social
infrastructure in Kirovohrad region would be developed thanks to the
construction of the plant, as 10% of the project cost will be spent on
social projects.
“The construction of this complex will breathe new life into this region,” he added.
The head of the Ukrainian government also stressed that the project was environmentally friendly.
He said that the implementation of the project jointly with Russia
would turn a new page in nuclear energy cooperation between the
countries. The premier added that he would congratulate his Russian
counterpart Dmitry Medvedev on this important event today.
