The Ukrainian government has approved the draft Law of Ukraine “On the National Target Environmental Program for Radioactive Waste Management”.
This was reported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
The document defines the main directions of state policy in the field of radioactive waste management.
Purpose of the Program:
- significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment of facilities that generate radioactive waste (such as nuclear power plants);
- to optimize their storage and disposal processes;
- establish strict control and ensure transparency of all stages of work.
The Ministry of Environment says that the Program takes into account the best European practices and includes measures to improve environmental and radiation safety in Ukraine. According to the developers, it will also contribute to the creation of conditions for the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy in the production of electricity, and will have a positive effect on the environmental and energy security of the state.
For 2025-2032 in the Program such events are planned:
- reconstruction and modernization of the infrastructure of existing facilities, such as storage facilities for radioactive waste, as well as construction of new facilities using modern technologies;
- improvement of the radioactive waste accounting system;
- development of regulatory and legal regulation in the field of radioactive waste management;
- attracting international support for technical and financial assistance in the implementation of the tasks and activities of the Program.
The document was developed by the Ministry of Environment jointly with the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management.
As a reminder, in November 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept of the National Target Environmental Program for Radioactive Waste Management. At the same time, it instructed the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management to develop a draft environmental program for radioactive waste management within a year and submit it to the government. As you can see, twice the allotted time has passed.
In early December, EcoPolitic reported that partner countries are providing another €7 million for the restoration and development of the Chornobyl zone. Earlier, we also told you that the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusion Zone Management received a new head. It is Hryhorii Ishchenko.
