ARTICLE - Energy security
Sanctions and the removal of russia from global nuclear technology markets – 2024 could be a decisive year: German Galushchenko
Ministry of Energy of Ukraine,
01 January 2024 18:15
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/sanktsii-i-usunennia-rosii-zi-svitovykh-rynkiv-atomnykh-tekhnolohii-2024-rik-mozhe-staty-vyrishalnym-herman-halushchenko
The civilized world is getting closer to achieving the goal of removing Russia from the global nuclear technology markets. This was stated by Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko in his wrap-up interview on the national telethon.
“There will be no Russians on civilized markets. I am confident because the world is moving in that direction. We are removing obstacle after obstacle to make this happen,” he said.
The head of the Ministry of Energy stressed that nuclear energy was a rather complex area, so the process of replacing nuclear fuel and technology suppliers was much slower than in other energy sectors.
“Of course we would like it to be faster, but nuclear power is a complex type of industry and power generation... And it is very important that the sanctions work, because this is the only intelligent export item in the Russian energy sector. Barbarians have no place in civilized markets,” the minister stressed.
According to German Galushchenko, even at the beginning of the full-scale war, the leaders of a number of European countries expressed skepticism about the prospects of removing Russia from the nuclear fuel markets.
“But we did it in a year and a half. If you want to achieve a goal, there is always a way to do it. Of course, it requires effort, partnership and unity. But the level of solidarity that exists today with Ukraine in the energy sector is enormous,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the world was witnessing a renaissance in nuclear energy and that it was very important to support this process, which would help achieve the goals of the “green” transition.
In this context, it is crucial to prevent any incident at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP, as this could jeopardizing the prospects for further development of the nuclear industry. German Galushchenko stressed that Russia should leave the territory of the ZNPP as soon as possible and transfer the plant under the full control of Ukrainian personnel, thus fulfilling the requirements of the IAEA resolution adopted by the Agency’s last General Conference.