A long-term community of peace-loving nations, united by the desire for peaceful creation, became the basis for creating a European stronghold of science and technology on the eastern border of European civilization – CESTA SYNERGOATOM. Our common knowledge and experience will become a reliable tool for the energy stability and security of the European continent. The idea of creating the Center was born in Prague. The Czech word CESTA, formed by the phrase “Center for Energy Stability”, which sounds so similar in many world languages, means WAY. This path of creation is called SYNERGOATOM, and is a symbol of the inexhaustible power of nature, born from the synergy of the peaceful atom. Our common goal is to realize this miracle in the universe, learning from it to create technologies for the sake of peace and prosperity of mankind.

Today, Ukraine is rightfully becoming a new strategic part of the foundation of our common European Home. Ukraine, as one of the traditional world leaders in nuclear energy, in collaboration with true friends and partners – the Czech Republic and Poland, is becoming the birthplace of a scientific and technological platform CESTA SYNERGOATOM. With joint powerful industrial potential and rich scientific and technical experience in nuclear physics and other creative sciences, our countries will be glad to each new partner who realizes the importance of such an association. European and global leaders in the science and technology community will welcomed members of our family, combining their rich knowledge and experience with the strong potential of leading scientists and subject matter experts who will occupy key positions in key areas of activity of the CESTA SYNERGOATOM.

The idea of SYNERGOATOM was born a few years ago in Prague. The place of its birth was immediately identified as the cradle of our common civilization – ancient Kyiv. The historical friendship between the Czech Republic and Ukraine does not need additional comments. The bloody aggression against Ukraine by the insane barbarian only accelerated the declaration of our initiative, giving it even more drive and meaning. The words ENERGY and STABILITY, despite the language difference, bind us in one CENTER:

In Czech, the word CESTA means WAY. This is the way that the Czech Republic is ready to follow with whole wide world as a faithful comrade-in-arms in battle and a reliable partner in creation.

According to the IEA projection, the 2030s will be the peak decade for new capacity, compensating for the decommissioning fleet of NPPs that are reaching the end of their life cycle. The construction of new PWR units is projected to exceed the construction rate of the 1980s, reaching twenty plants per year. The high technological and reference requirements of the industry, as well as the advent of the post-Russian economic era, suggest a distribution of nuclear technology supply among three players: China, the USA and Europe. The other countries, previously provided by a once strong supplier of VVER technology, will find themselves in a zone of turbulence, having to deal with the daunting task of moving to another technology plane. Such a global shift in the industrial-economic paradigm, entails a rather complex process of reformatting the state energy system, both in terms of qualified human resources policy and in all areas of life previously oriented towards a different management model.

The global trend towards decarbonization, which has taken clear shape, logically puts nuclear power at the top of the resource list for the next century. The RF still controls 40% of the world uranium enrichment market. This supply source makes countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Finland 50% dependent on fuel, as well as 100% in case of Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The economic, infrastructure and energy independence of Europe, among other things, is exposed to the Russian threat in the field of strategic intellectual activity. The management of international flows of strategic knowledge, concentrated in the field of influence of such organizations as the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR Dubna), the International Center for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI, Center) and others, is also becoming an instrument of russian influence. Consolidation of the world community on the CESTA SYNERGOATOM platform can become an alternative solution for such international cooperation.

The current geopolitical situation is forcing the European community to take urgent measures to stabilize the technological and raw material balance. Possessing ample reserves of uranium ore, having prospects for developing industry relations with Kazakhstan, being simultaneously with Poland in the process of forming cooperation with Westinghouse on new AP1000 power units, Europe, together with the Czech Republic, possessing a strong potential for nuclear engineering, can rightfully take a leading position in the technology market of peaceful atom. Such a development of economic events may become an occasion for a more global unification in the nuclear energy market. Taking into account the common civilizational views, the European Union and the United States as part of an energy coalition can positively balance the global nuclear energy market, including by putting southeastern competition in conditions that require finding compromise economic solutions.

Nuclear energy can help achieve several of these goals, including:

Goal 3: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Nuclear power can contribute to the goal of good health and well-being by providing a reliable and stable source of electricity for hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Goal 7: ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY

Nuclear power is a low-carbon source of electricity that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. This can help achieve the goal of affordable and clean energy for all.

Goal 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Nuclear power can create jobs and stimulate economic growth through the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as through the development of related industries and technologies.

Goal 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Nuclear power can stimulate industry, innovation and infrastructure by providing a reliable and stable source of electricity that can keep factories and other industrial facilities running.

Goal 13: CLIMATE IMPROVEMENT

Nuclear power can create jobs and stimulate economic growth through the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as through the development of related industries and technologies.

Support of the International Atomic Energy Agency

The IAEA promotes the efficient and safe use of nuclear energy by helping countries around the world to implement existing and new nuclear programmes, promoting innovation and capacity building in the areas of energy planning and analysis, and information and knowledge management in the nuclear industry. The Agency helps countries improve energy security, as well as reduce the negative impact of energy on the environment and human health.

NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE

The implementation of a nuclear power programme requires a sustainable infrastructure that provides governmental, legal, regulatory, management, technological, human, industrial and stakeholder support throughout the life cycle of the programme. The IAEA assists Member States through a variety of services and activities that address all relevant nuclear infrastructure issues.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

The IAEA assists in the safe and effective management of the entire life cycle of nuclear power plants, from design to decommissioning, including support for the nuclear fuel cycle and the management of materials used in nuclear reactors. Member States receive assistance in their efforts to plan and implement the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and other facilities using radioactive material in accordance with IAEA safety standards.

SMALL MODULAR REACTORS

The IAEA coordinates the efforts of its Member States to develop different types of SMRs, implementing a systematic approach to identifying and developing promising technologies to ensure the competitiveness and reliable operation of such reactors. The Agency also assists them in addressing common infrastructure issues to facilitate the introduction of SMRs into existing power systems, formally recognising such technologies as an efficient and affordable tool for generating clean electricity.

Strategic Goals of the Technopark

CONSOLIDATION of world’s scientific, technical and industrial potential on the basis of a nationwide platform that regulates and stimulates projects in the field of energy and critical infrastructure security.

UNIFICATION of knowledge and experience of the national scientific and industrial complex with similar potential of the international community in the process of reconstruction of energy and critical infrastructure.

STRENGTHENING energy stability within the framework of world national security and defense system.

CREATION of prerequisites for increasing professional employment, developing science and education, and improving the welfare of the population in the framework of the socio-economic development.

INCREASE of investment attractiveness in the field of technological innovations aimed at greening the energy sector.

RAISE of international scientific, technological and industrial status.

For the accomplishement of the goals, it is necessary to create:

Database of domestic and foreign projects in the field of nuclear energy within the framework of the unified system of coordination and knowledge flow management.

Center for Materials Science Research of Structural and Fuel Materials within the framework of the updated “Integral Witness Sample Program” (IWSP) to ensure the long-term operation of the existing VVER fleet, replacement and new AP1000 power units, as well as new generation power units based on SMR technologies.

An internationalplatform, that unifies scientific, technical and industrial potential for the implementation of programs for the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel and radiation safety of decommissioned nuclear power facilities.

A scientific, technical and production platform for the development and implementation of innovative technologies in the field of small nuclear power, including supporting the work of regulatory bodies in the creation of a specialized regulatory framework.

An educationalplatformor training, retraining and advanced training of specialized professionals to work in a modernized power system.

A nationwideUkrainian networkof branches CESTA SYNERGOATOM with reference to the places of post-war construction of new housing to provide the population with professional employment.

The Department of Technical and Economic Planning

  • Research in the field of decommissioning of existing NPPs
  • Determination of a strategy for the long-term operation of nuclear power plants based on new technologies
  • Study of the nuclear fuel cycle for new types of reactor plants
  • Selection of the type of reactor technologies, evaluation of the project for compliance with the Ukrainian ND for the purpose of further licensing
  • Development of models for the optimal combination of the energy complex of the HPR/SMR/RES from the point of view of economics, ecology and energy security
  • Study of the possibilities of using SMR technologies for the production of hydrogen and ammonia, in combination with the classical cycle of nuclear power generation in Ukraine
  • General technological analytics of domestic and foreign design base of SMR technologies
  • Support for the development of a regulatory framework for the introduction of SMRs and related technologies

Innovation and Technological Development Department

Ukraine, which traditionally has one of the largest potential in the world of power engineering, needs urgent restoration and strengthening of this sector. The reason, apart from the war, is the long-term orientation towards the russian market. This situation did not give Ukrainian enterprises the opportunity to fully enter the world market. The industrial base that Ukraine can use for the benefit of its economic development needs urgent restoration, modernization, and transition to international production standards. Machine-building factories destroyed by the war, or enterprises that were forced to stop production, must begin the restoration process. The expected targeted support of the world community should be used as systematically, efficiently and reasonably as possible. To implement such tasks, it is necessary to create a structured system that will allow not only to restore the destroyed, but also to reach the advanced technological level in the field of power engineering. CESTA SYNERGOATOM sets itself such a task.

  • Among the main areas of the department’s work the following are considered
  • Optimization of processes in power machines and improvement of their designs
  • Energy-saving technologies and non-traditional energy facilities
  • Prediction of reliability, dynamic strength and resource of power equipment; modeling and computer technologies in power engineering

Department of Energy Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Energy stability implies the whole range of concepts that are characterized by the general term – security. Those critical infrastructure facilities that ensure the stable operation of a state’s energy system are the most vulnerable to external threats. Complete or partial blocking of such facilities endangers almost all aspects of the life of society. In addition to man-made, environmental and other threats to the safety of the energy system, the risk of physical impact on nuclear power plants is the most important aspect that endangers the reliable operation of the nuclear power program (NP program). NP program includes a complex combination of such tools as a chain of physical barriers, systems for monitoring, responding to and preventing unauthorized access to nuclear facilities, preventing theft, sabotage and other malicious acts. A set of such measures is aimed at ensuring personal, infrastructure and cyber security, and should be in the system of international cooperation, which implies the exchange of experience and information. Specialized elements are used as means of physical protection of critical infrastructure, such as: barriers, fences, walls, gates and others barrier structures preventing unauthorized access to a nuclear facility. Mostly materials such as concrete and steel are used for the production of such facilities. They can be designed in such a way that access to the site is not possible under any circumstances. The quality of such protective equipment, however, must meet high IAEA safety standards. 

The Czech Republic, one of the leaders among NATO countries in the field of cyber security, also occupies a leading position in the development and production of specialized structures using ultra-high-strength concrete, with dispersed micro-fiber reinforcement from high-strength steel UHPFRC (Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete). This technology is being developed by IBIPC together with the Czech Technical University in Prague (CVUT). IBIPC offers more than 10 security elements made of UHPFRC composite certified to NATO STANAG 280 standard. These elements are designed to protect against: o Terrorist attacks; o Hybrid attacks; o Attacks by professional army; o The use of surveillance systems, such as cameras, alarms and motion detectors, is an important element of physical security. These systems can detect and prevent unauthorized access and can be integrated with other security measures such as access control systems to provide a complete security solution. Personnel security is also an important element of security, which includes background checks, screening processes, and training of personnel with access to nuclear materials. This ensures that only authorized personnel are allowed access to sensitive areas and information. Emergency response capabilities are also an integral element of physical security. This includes having trained personnel and equipment ready to respond to emergencies, as well as procedures and protocols.

The CESTA SYNERGOATOM organization process is officially supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ukraine. The initiators of the technology park are an official partner of the Business Club Ukraine (BKUA), established by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, whose tasks include the approval and sectoral coordination of projects that fall into the category of priorities under the World Rehabilitation Programme for Ukraine. The reciprocal steps taken by state authorities would significantly strengthen European efforts to provide such support. Any tangible involvement from the nation side would therefore be crucial in the process of setting up a technology park. Such reciprocal cooperation may consist of any of the following actions:

After discussing the basic concept of CESTA SYNERGOATOM at the level of the competent authorities of the Czech Republic and a country of interest, the initiators proceed to the procedure for registering a technology park in accordance with the legal framework of the country. As an official legal partner of CESTA SYNERGOATOM, including those carrying out the registration procedure.

Positive consideration of CESTA SYNERGOATOM Technopark registration

Providing assistance in the implementation of measures within the competence of the state nuclear regulation, relevant ministries, national security and defence authorities, law enforcement, tax authorities and other government agencies

Active cooperation with the relevant state structures of the Czech Republic in the process of forming the conceptual structure of the technopark

Support in creating favorable conditions for the expected international investment in selected technopark projects

Consideration of the possibility of providing infrastructure support at the stage of preparation of the pilot project base for CESTA SYNERGOATOM

Considering the possibility of providing a basic administrative budget to cover the cost of operational activities

During the process of official registration of the technology park, a letter is being prepared addressed to the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and Ukraine, informing about the beginning of this form of consolidation of interstate cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. The letter will be sent with notification to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the national security agencies of both countries. The signatories of the letter will be elected members of the Scientific and Technical Council of CESTA SYNERGOATOM.

A number of urgent tasks of any nuclear power industry have the status of international importance. As pilot projects of CESTA SYNERGOATOM, which can start their development with international support, the following can be distinguished:

Establishment of a materials science center with laboratories and the necessary equipment within the framework of the optimized Integral Witness Sample Program (IWSP) for the control of metals of reactor vessels, taking into account the replacement and new AR 1000 power units that modernize the energy system. The work of CESTA SYNERGOATOM in this direction implies the support of the efforts of the operating company “NAEC Energoatom”.

Production of a new research reactor for commercial purposes, as well as the extension of the operating life of the existing research reactor, or one that provides radiation monitoring within the framework of the IWSP.

Creation of a laboratory base on the territory of the Chernobyl NPP as part of the program for the dismantling of structures under the NSC arch (New Safe Confinement). This project, and a huge range of tasks associated with its implementation, requires the consolidation of international efforts through the cooperation of leading specialized scientific, technical and industrial organizations of Ukraine, the EU and the USA.

Creation of national container for long-term storage of SNF, and development of technologies, equipment and special materials, within the framework of the national SNF management system. International cooperation with leading American and European partners may become one of the most significant projects in the field of nuclear energy.

Projects of this kind, along with the development of peaceful atom technologies within the framework of individual projects, can be the subject of international cooperation based on the existing nuclear infrastructure, which will be modernized in parallel at the expense of investment and other resources attracted to the technology park platform.

The Czech side in this cooperation will be represented by the Institute for Nuclear Research ÚJV Řež, with the support of the Czech State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) in coordination with the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) and the Kyiv Institute for Nuclear Research.

Potential Directions fo the Development of the Technology Park

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Development of advanced energy storage technologies, including research into advanced batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and other energy storage technologies

Study of the possibilities of the most efficient combination of nuclear energy with renewable energy sources

AEROSPACE – “UKRAINIAN DREAM”

Innovative developments in the field of civil and defense aerospace with the use of small nuclear power technologies

APPLIED RESEARCH

Research on the possibilities of using artificial intelligence technologies to control and manage critical infrastructure facilities

Design, development and testing of electronic and robotic equipment

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Staff training and development

Support for start-ups in the energy sector

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Development of medical diagnostic and other medical equipment

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES

Development of ultra-precise simulators of nuclear reactors

Research of quantum technologies for application in toroidal reactors

Research of quantum technologies in the field of safety of nuclear reactors

Application of quantum sensors for monitoring and data processing systems

The Project and Infrastructure Philosophy of the Technology Park

The word “Technopark” is often associated with something futuristic, incredibly expensive already at the stage of creation, and going into distant time perspectives. The philosophy of CESTA SYNERGOATOM is based on the different principle.

The historically developed infrastructure of nuclear power industry, despite the long-term lack of high-quality funding for the scientific and technical sector, still makes it possible to form a portfolio of relevant pilot projects and create a basic platform to start their implementation. At the same time, the budget of each project will include a funding item that provides for the modernization or production of new equipment necessary for the implementation of a specific project task. Thus, each individual project will ensure the progressive development of the technopark infrastructure to a modern architectural and technological level. This principle of operation implies a reasonable and justified use of project financing, optimizes material and technical resources, making CESTA SYNERGOATOM as efficient and attractive as possible for international investment in new projects.

The main administrative and technical directorate of the technology park will be based in Kiev at one of the institutes of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. One of the first branches of the Head Office is planned to be the Slavutych branch НТУУ of the NTUU “Igor Sikorsky KPI“. Part of the Chernobyl territory may become an experimental and technical base for accommodating individual laboratories, test sites and other facilities intended for practical testing and applied research within the framework of CESTA SYNERGOATOM projects.

CESTA SYNERGOATOM’s development concept envisages the gradual creation of a network of technology hubs. Such a technology park infrastructure development plan, in correlation with the housing renovation programme, will significantly support the socio-economic objectives of the state in relation to war-affected citizens. One of CESTA SYNERGOATOM’s partners is the Rebuild Our Ukraine Foundation. The Foundation’s infrastructural concept aims to guarantee a wide range of jobs for the inhabitants. The Foundation has a structured project programme, which is supported on all relevant levels, including national levels. This cooperation will make the CESTA SYNERGOATOM all-world network as effective as possible in terms of public policy for the recovery and strengthening of country’s economy.

The process of formation and implementation of the CESTA SYNERGOATOM project agenda will involve all key scientific, technical and production-related organisations in Ukraine, with the support and active cooperation of the relevant entities of the Czech Republic, including through the creation of “Joint Centres” between individual institutes of the Academies of Sciences of our countries and partner countries.