Ukraine considers using Canadian nuclear technology

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Ukraine is considering using Canadian nuclear technology to modernize its power plants and generate cleaner electricity, the two countries said.

Ukraine's Ministry of Fuels and Energy today signed a memorandum of understanding with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., pledging to develop a plan for the commercial use of Canadian nuclear technology in Ukrainian plants.

“This is great news,” Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko told a business audience at the Economic Club of Toronto. “It's a great work plan.”

Ukraine is interested in using Canadian technology to burn uranium recovered from its current VVER reactors, Atomic Energy of Canada said in a news release.

Atomic Energy of Canada also is in talks with Lithuania, Romania and Turkey to sell its technology, the state-owned company said.