Khmelnitsky NPP is one of the galaxy of nuclear energy stars of Ukraine

Khmelnitsky nuclear power plant is one of the largest enterprises of Ukraine. Moreover, its sphere of activity is nuclear power, which already requires responsible attitude and careful planning of works. Awareness of the scale of this energy "monster" begins to come gradually, as it deepens into the history of its creation and life. Just a small fact: simultaneously with the station from the village, which was located nearby, the city of Neteshin, built on extremely unfavorable soil, grew up. That, nevertheless, does not prevent it from successfully fulfilling its functions to ensure the vital activity of the many thousands of staff of the station and their families. No wonder they say that Khmelnitsky NPP is the brightest star of Ukraine's nuclear power industry . Such a title must be earned.

It all began in 1971. Although, if you look a little deeper, then even a little earlier. The fact is that in those days the industry of the USSR lacked electricity in the region. In addition, its role was played by politics - proximity to the border allowed the launch of a project on international electricity trade. However, on the way to implementation there was a serious obstacle - the lack of a suitable natural fuel field nearby, which could serve as raw material for production. The nearby HPPs were oriented to other regions, had technical limitations on the possibilities of additional generation, and could not meet the enormous need for electricity. And the prospect of bringing fuel from other parts of the country did not cause joy. Therefore, it was decided to build a nuclear power plant in the western part of Ukraine.

Khmelnitsky NPP is a vivid example of courage of builders and expediency of international cooperation. It was built for a long ten years, the planned capacity was 4000 MW, which was supposed to generate four VVER-1000.

Its construction began with a small team of sixty people who had at their disposal one (!) Bulldozer, one (!) Excavator and several cars. And this is when the task was set: to build a nuclear power plant and a city for atomic scientists from scratch! Of course, in the following years the construction grew, because in the USSR they were able to plan and erect objects in a big way. Great participation in the process was taken by builders from Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia. And it was built on conscience, you can say, not so much for money, as for enthusiasm. However, everything has faded into the past.

Now Khmelnytsky NPP is experiencing great difficulties with proper maintenance of the proper technical level. And this, despite an impressive figure of 9% - it generates so much electricity in the general energy "pie" of Ukraine. Although, what to hide - now all nuclear power plants in Ukraine are experiencing similar problems due to the strong attachment of Energoatom to the Russian nuclear sector.

Do not inspire joy and the latest reports from the authorities that there is no money for the completion or construction of the third and fourth power units.

Nevertheless, in the future it is desirable to look with optimism. Perhaps, Khmelnitsky NPP will wait for the period of a new heyday.