The team of LLC “Nuclear Energy Systems of Ukraine” (AESU) took part in the 7th International Conference NUCNEXT-2025: “Prospects for the Implementation of Innovations in Nuclear Energy”, held in Kyiv on September 25–26, 2025. The event brought together representatives of government authorities, research institutions, leading energy companies, international experts, and young scientists.
Participants emphasized that nuclear energy remains a cornerstone of Ukraine’s energy security, as it ensures stable baseload generation and serves as a foundation for the future recovery of the power system. At the same time, the sector requires innovation — advanced technologies and materials, the deployment of digital instrumentation and control systems, and the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). These solutions will enhance the efficiency, safety, and resilience of nuclear power plants.
Commenting on the discussion about the prospects of nuclear energy in Ukraine, Yurii Bakarzhiev, Chief Executive Officer of AESU, noted that, according to Ukraine’s Energy Strategy, the installed nuclear generating capacity is projected to increase to 17.4 GW within the next ten years and to 23.7 GW by 2050.
“This will be achieved through the commissioning of new power units, particularly those based on Westinghouse AP1000 technology. Starting from the 2030s, pilot projects involving small modular reactors (SMRs) — compact nuclear installations that are easier to construct, faster to deploy, and already proven worldwide — are expected to be launched,” explained Yurii Bakarzhiev.
In addition, Ukraine plans to ensure a stable domestic supply of uranium by developing new deposits. Preliminary estimates indicate that the country’s demand for uranium will reach 3,000 tonnes by 2035, while current production amounts to only 300–350 tonnes and continues to decline.
“It is important to emphasize that Ukraine’s uranium resource base allows the country to become a major uranium producer — capable of producing more than 3,000 tonnes annually, fully covering domestic demand and even exporting. Out of 50 identified deposits and occurrences, 20 are ready for further development, as they have undergone the complete exploration cycle. For example, between 2018 and 2020, AESU conducted additional exploration of four uranium deposits and had the reserves approved by the State Commission of Ukraine on Mineral Resources (GKZ). We have also prepared Ukraine’s first JORC-compliant report, covering the Safonivske deposit,” said Yurii Bakarzhiev.
According to him, the development of Ukraine’s uranium sector requires significant private investment. International investors can be engaged in specific projects with clearly defined parameters and performance indicators.
“This is precisely what AESU is working on — to make projects transparent and comprehensible for investors, ensuring that investments contribute to building Ukraine’s sustainable energy future,” added Yurii Bakarzhiev.
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NUCNEXT is an annual international conference dedicated to the development of nuclear energy and the implementation of innovations in the nuclear industry. Previously, it was held under the name “International Scientific Conference ‘Prospects for the Implementation of Innovations in Nuclear Energy’”. The updated name NUCNEXT highlights a focus on the next stage of nuclear technology development and innovation.
Organizers: Ukrainian Nuclear Society (UkrNS), Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the Council of Young Scientists under the NAS Department of Energy and Energy Technologies, with the support of JSC “NAEC Energoatom”.
Conference objectives: to discuss the current state and prospects for the development of nuclear energy, innovative technologies and reactor concepts, to exchange experience in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and to promote scientific cooperation and the professional growth of young specialists.
In 2025, the event gathered over 200 participants, including representatives of government bodies, research institutions, nuclear energy enterprises, international experts, and young professionals.
