With tensions high between Ukraine and Russia, its traditional supplier of nuclear fuel, Ukrainian media reported that the country is close to a deal to expand its fuel purchases from Westinghouse.
A Westinghouse executive on Friday told the Kyiv Post that the company plans to increase fuel deliveries starting this year through 2020. The company has supplied fuel for two reactors at Yuzhnoukrainsk under a 2008 agreement. The new contract would open additional units in Ukraine's 15-reactor fleet to Westinghouse sales.
Nuclear plants provide about half of the country's power, according to the World Nuclear Association. They are all of Russian design, and Russia provides enrichment of Ukrainian uranium and most of the services required for Ukraine's fuel cycle. The value of potential orders from Westinghouse under a new agreement was not announced. The company's earlier Ukrainian contract spanned five years and has been estimated at $100 million.