Karazin Representatives Took Part in the Round Table “Small Modular Reactors in Ukraine: From Strategy to Implementation. Energy Security and Recovery”

25 march 2026 year

On March 19, 2026, a landmark event took place in Kyiv — the round table “Small Modular Reactors in Ukraine: From Strategy to Implementation. Energy Security and Recovery.” As part of the event, leading industry experts gathered to discuss how innovative nuclear technologies can help build an independent and resilient energy system.

In particular, the following issues were addressed:

• Legislative breakthrough: participants discussed the presentation and details of a new draft law aimed at creating a modern legal framework for nuclear energy;
• Simplification of procedures: systemic improvements to decision-making mechanisms for the siting and construction of nuclear facilities were considered in order to make the process faster while maintaining safety;
• Ukrainian production: the readiness of domestic manufacturing plants to produce equipment in line with the standards of global SMR developers was analyzed. The goal is to build strong local supply chains;
• Licensing and safety: special attention was given to the transition from large power units to SMRs, their safety justification, and the specifics of licensing in the Ukrainian context;
• Energy of the future: SMRs are not only about electricity for households. Technical solutions for producing “green” hydrogen and ammonia, as well as ensuring stable power supply for data centers, were also discussed.

The Kharkiv branch of the NGO Ukrainian Nuclear Society was represented by Valerii Zuiok, a graduate of the School of Physics and Technology, Director of the NGO “Institute for Nuclear Energy Research” and a board member of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, and by Pylyp Kuznietsov, Director of the Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology” and a board member of the same organization.

A special emphasis of the event was placed on the scientific support of technologies.

Valerii Zuiok delivered a presentation titled “Scientific Aspects and Possible Operational Features of the Main Types (Designs) of Small Modular Reactors.” His analysis of the readiness of Ukrainian research institutions to support SMR technologies highlighted that such specialists represent the future of the country’s energy security.

The event also discussed legislative initiatives (draft law No. 739/1-2025/249163), which pave the way for private nuclear power plants and the localization of equipment production in Ukraine.

Following the round table, a Resolution to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is being prepared to accelerate the implementation of small modular reactor technologies.

Ukraine has every opportunity to become a leader in nuclear innovation, relying on the experience of its scientists and the energy of young professionals!