INNOVATION AND SAFETY: ENERGY SAFETY GROUP AT NUCNEXT-2025

The experts from Energy Safety Group were super involved in the VII International Scientific and Technical Conference NUCNEXT-2025 «Prospects for the Implementation of Innovations in Nuclear Energy», organized by the Ukrainian Nuclear Society in conjunction with JSC «NNEGC «Energoatom», the Institute for Nuclear Power Plant Safety Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

During the conference, Oleksandr Mazurok, General Director of ES Group LLC (part of the group of companies Energy Safety Group), moderated two technical sessions devoted to extending the operating life and constructing new power units, as well as design innovations to improve the NPPs safety and efficiency.

«It is a great honor for me to moderate two technical sections dedicated to key challenges and opportunities for the development of nuclear energy. At a time when the industry is facing unprecedented challenges, bringing together experts in science and practice around innovative solutions is crucial. I am proud that the Energy Safety Group has the opportunity to share its experience and contribute to the implementation of modern engineering approaches in the energy sector in Ukraine and Europe», said Oleksandr Mazurok.

Oleksandr’s presentation, titled «Diversification of Core Components with Scientific and Technical Support from Domestic Organizations», prompted a lively discussion. The presentation focused on the practical results of JSC «NNEGC «Energoatom» abandoning russian core components for VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors, which were previously manufactured exclusively in russia.

This step was made possible through the coordinated efforts of government agencies, scientific institutions, and domestic engineering companies. The Energy Safety Group plays a pivotal role in this process, facilitating the swift implementation of new solutions, ensuring the continuous operation of Ukrainian NPPs in wartime conditions, and providing scientific support for the production of domestic components.

During the poster session, the Energy Safety Group showcased two technical projects focused on enhancing the safety of nuclear power units. The first, titled «Equipment for an additional pressure relief line from the primary circuit for RNPP Units 1,2 (VVER-440/V-213)», presents an engineering solution designed to improve reactor safety during severe accident scenarios. This implementation allows for controlled pressure relief from the primary circuit, ensures stable operation of the external reactor vessel cooling system, and maintains functionality even in the event of single failures.

The second poster, «Long-term heat removal system from the containment for NPPs with VVER-1000 reactors. Updated concept and initial calculation results», presented a solution that ensures long-term cooling of the containment and prevents its destruction during severe accidents. The system operates independently of other NPP systems, removing only the steam-gas mixture without removing highly active corium particles. This reduces the volume of radioactive water thanks to a closed circulation loop and its retention inside the containment. The design offers consistent layout solutions that are adaptable to different power units.

The achievements of the Energy Safety Group sparked significant interest and lively discussions among conference participants, highlighting the professionalism of the company’s specialists in implementing innovative solutions to enhance nuclear safety.

The results presented at the conference confirmed that Ukrainian nuclear energy not only maintains stability in harsh conditions but also sets new standards for safety and reliability. Ukraine’s strategic partnerships between state-owned enterprises, scientific institutions, and engineering companies, including the Energy Safety Group, are driving consistent strengthening of its energy independence and facilitating the integration of its own developments into the European nuclear space.