Ukraine takes step towards energy independence, says Azarov
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said that the launch of the construction of a nuclear fuel plant in Smoline, Kirovohrad region, is a step by Ukraine towards energy independence.
"Today we have launched a big project, the biggest one in the years of Ukraine's independence, to ensure the energy independence of our country," the premier told journalists after a ceremony to mark the start of the construction of the plant in Kirovohrad region.
According to Azarov, the first part of the plant will be finished in 2015, and the construction in general will be finished by 2020. The plant will produce nuclear fuel for all of the nuclear reactors in Ukraine.
The prime minister of Ukraine also noted that the social infrastructure in Kirovohrad region would be developed thanks to the construction of the plant, as 10% of the project cost will be spent on social projects.
"The construction of this complex will breathe new life into this region," he added.
The head of the Ukrainian government also stressed that the project was environmentally friendly.
He said that the implementation of the project jointly with Russia would turn a new page in nuclear energy cooperation between the countries. The premier added that he would congratulate his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev on this important event today.
