Russia has indicated that it may be willing to sell electricity to Ukraine from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear power facility in Europe, once the plant is restarted and operational. The facility has been under Russian control since early in the conflict between the two countries in 2022.
According to officials from Rosatom, preparations are underway to relaunch the plant when security conditions allow. Operating licences have already been issued for two reactor units, with additional licences expected as part of the phased restart process. The relaunch would take place under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure nuclear safety and regulatory compliance.
Russia has suggested that while the plant would be operated by Rosatom, the commercial aspects of electricity generation could involve broader international arrangements. Under certain conditions, discussions could include supplying electricity directly to Ukraine, including the capital city of Kyiv.
The future of the Zaporizhzhia facility remains a major point of contention in diplomatic discussions related to the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian authorities maintain that the plant should return to their control, while Russia has signalled plans to integrate it into its own power management system once operations resume.
Before the conflict, the plant played a critical role in Ukraine’s energy system, generating a significant share of the country’s nuclear electricity. Any decision regarding its restart, management, and electricity distribution is therefore expected to have major implications for regional energy security and geopolitical negotiations surrounding the war.
