BAKU, Azerbaijan – The United States and Ukraine unveiled a partnership aimed at advancing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, a move they say will position Ukraine as a leader in secure nuclear energy and decarbonization.
The announcement was made at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Saturday.
In a media note sighted by ChatnewsTV, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins and Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko revealed the collaboration, which is part of the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program. The initiative includes three major projects and represents a $30 million investment in clean and secure nuclear energy.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step in building a cleaner and safer energy future,” said Under Secretary Jenkins.
“This partnership is not just about technology but about leadership and collaboration in the fight against climate change.”
The centerpiece of the collaboration is the Ukraine Clean Fuels from SMR Pilot Plant (Phase 2). This project, building on Phase 1 launched at COP27, aims to construct a pilot facility in Ukraine to produce clean hydrogen and ammonia. These are crucial components for agricultural fertilizers, and the production will utilize secure and simulated SMR technology. A multinational public-private consortium from Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States is spearheading the effort.
Project Phoenix, another pillar of the partnership, seeks to transform Ukraine’s coal-dependent power sector. The initiative will involve repurposing existing coal-fired plants to SMR nuclear facilities. This conversion will not only utilize current infrastructure but also retrain workers from the coal industry, offering a sustainable and secure transition to clean energy.
“The future of energy in Ukraine lies in modern, safe, and clean technology. We are excited to continue our work with international partners,” said Minister Galushchenko.
The third project, the Ukraine Clean Steel from SMR Roadmap, will focus on decarbonizing Ukraine’s steel industry. The plan includes rebuilding and modernizing steel production facilities using clean electricity and hydrogen from SMRs. According to Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuriy Husyev, the project “represents a transformative shift for Ukraine’s industrial landscape.”
The announcement event included key figures from both the United States and Ukraine, including Michael Goff, Acting Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Paul Kearns, Director of Argonne National Laboratory. Also present was Neil Wilmhurst, Senior Vice President of the Electric Power Research Institute.
“These projects will not only benefit Ukraine but serve as a model for other nations seeking to meet their energy needs while maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety and security,” said Wilmhurst.
The FIRST program, which is leading these initiatives, aims to help countries like Ukraine explore SMR potential while adhering to strict safety, security, and nonproliferation guidelines. For many experts, the collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine is a promising step toward global decarbonization.
“This is a global challenge that requires a global response, and Ukraine is stepping up to play a leading role,” said Goff.
“Together, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
