NAEK Energoatom plans to complete the construction of all planned second-level protective structures (concrete structures against drone strikes and missile debris) for important elements of Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants in 2026, according to the company’s CEO Pavlo Kovtonyuk.
“The first is passive protection of critical elements of nuclear power plants. It consists of several levels, and the first level (gabions and big bags – ER) is already complete. The second level is nearing completion. This work is being carried out according to the approved schedules and plans,” Kovtonyuk said in a conversation with journalists during a trip to one of the nuclear power plants, specifying that the construction of level 2 structures at all nuclear power plants is planned to be completed within the current year.
He noted that the second aspect is active protection provided by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Energoatom is allocating funds to purchase the necessary systems for such protection of the sky near nuclear power plants. Kovtonyuk did not specify the amount of funding for protection work and the funds allocated to the military, noting that “plans and projects agreed with the General Staff are financed without restrictions.”
Regarding the third level of protection (including underground structures designed to withstand direct missile strikes), the head of Energoatom noted that such projects can be considered individually.
“The third level involves very large-scale work, which can be considered as local projects. There is an example at one of the nuclear power plants where certain elements are protected by the third level. As for scaling, we will consider this possibility,” Kovtonyuk commented.
