US-based Westinghouse Electric Company (part of Japan’s Toshiba) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kharkov-based Ukrainian engineering company Turboatom, a leading company in the production of turbines for nuclear, thermal and hydro power plants. Co-operation will focus on gradually increasing the capacity of Ukraine’s 13 VVER-1000 reactors to 110% of the nominal (in Ukraine 13 power units with VVER-1000 reactors). Westinghouse has announced support Ukrainian nuclear utility Energoatom in the implementation of such a project.

Energoatom President Yuri Nedashkovsky said the energy potential of the NPPs is underutilized. He stressedthe importance of Turboatom to successful cooperation with international organizations. Turboatom General Director Victor Subbotin noted the need to work with Electrotyazhmash also based in Kharkov. "We intend to develop this initiative, in particular in the supply of high-power motors and generators for NPPs", he said. Electrotyazhmash will develop the production and manufacture of heavy-duty engines for circulation pumps for Ukrainian NPPs. The first order is planned for the South Ukraine NPP.