Ukrainian Energoatom preparing to launch NPP reactor unit

MOSCOW. Nov 10 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian state company Energoatom is preparing to launch the last of nine nuclear power plant units in the Kiev-controlled territory.

"Assessed the status of repairs. Gave permission to begin launch operations. Tests of the primary circuit were completed and accepted as is. Ordered connecting the unit to the power network within a week," Ukrainian media quoted Energoatom President Pyotr Kotin as saying in a company statement on a social network.

The Ukrainian power grid will grow with 1,000MW in less than ten days, the company said, adding that all three nuclear power plants operating in the Kiev-controlled territory would be generating 7.800MW for the national power grid after that.

The company said that eight nuclear power plant units were repaired and resumed operation ahead of schedule.

Ukraine currently possesses nine reactor units, including seven VVER-1000 and two VVER-440, at three operating nuclear power plants: Rovno, South Ukraine, and Khmelnitsky NPPs.