Ukraine scraps nuclear reactor deal with Russia

KIEV, Ukraine, Sept. 16 (UPI) — The Ukrainian Parliament voted Wednesday to cancel plans for two nuclear reactors to be built jointly with Russia.

Ukraine scraps nuclear reactor deal with Russia

In a vote approved by 234 of 307 lawmakers, the Verkhovna Rada decided to withdraw from a plan to add two more reactors to the two already in existence at the Khmelnitsky Nuclear Power Plant in western Ukraine.

Deputy Energy Minister Alexander Svetelik blamed Russia for “failing to fulfill the obligation under the deal,” and added an “alternative partner” would be sought to help construct the two additional reactors. Moscow committed between $5 billion and $6 billion to the project in a 2010 agreement.

Construction initially began in 1985 but was halted by the nuclear accident at Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Ukraine has 15 reactors at four plants, and relies on nuclear energy to generate about half its electricity.

Russian officials had no immediate comment on the Ukrainian legislature’s move.

UPI [http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/09/16/Ukraine-scraps-nuclear-reactor-deal-with-Russia/9811442413199/] 17/09/2015