Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a Factor in Enhancing the Energy Resilience of Ukraine’s Metallurgical Industry

Abstract

The article highlights the relevance of ensuring the energy resilience of Ukraine’s metallurgical industry, which is one of the key sectors of the national economy and at the same time highly energy-intensive. In the context of the ongoing war, the country’s energy infrastructure suffers systemic damage, leading to interruptions in electricity supply and increased risks for the stable operation of industrial enterprises. Metallurgical plants, consuming a significant share of national energy resources, become vulnerable to tariff fluctuations, capacity shortages, and disruptions in energy supply chains. At the same time, Ukraine’s course towards post-war recovery and integration into the European energy space implies the implementation of low-carbon and safe energy generation technologies. In this context, the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) appears as a promising direction to strengthen the energy autonomy of metallurgical enterprises, ensure stability of production processes, and increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian metallurgy in the global market.

The aim of the study is to justify the feasibility of introducing SMRs into the energy supply system of Ukraine’s metallurgical industry as an innovative tool to enhance its energy resilience under conditions of war and post-war recovery. The study includes an assessment of the energy structure of metallurgical production, an analysis of the technical, economic, and environmental characteristics of SMRs, and a comparison of their efficiency with other energy generation sources. Special attention is paid to the potential of SMRs to provide stable, safe, and autonomous energy supply, reduce dependence on imported energy, and lay the foundation for sustainable development in the context of a low-carbon economy.

The current energy profile of the metallurgical industry has been analyzed, characterized by high energy intensity and significant reliance on centralized energy supply. The largest energy consumption occurs in pig iron production, steelmaking, and rolling processes. A high dependence of enterprises on thermal generation and minimal use of renewable sources has been identified. Instability in electricity supply, infrastructure damage, and energy price fluctuations create additional risks, highlighting the need to integrate SMRs as a reliable and technologically resilient energy source.

An analysis of main types of energy generation capacities in the metallurgical sector and the prospects for SMR integration was conducted. Strengths of thermal generation and renewable energy include established infrastructure and relative resource availability. Weaknesses involve high production energy intensity, dependence on imported fuel, and supply instability during wartime. Opportunities lie in the introduction of SMRs as autonomous, safe, and environmentally friendly energy sources, reducing energy costs and increasing process resilience. Threats include regulatory barriers, high capital investments, and technological risks. The analysis showed that SMRs have competitive advantages over traditional and renewable energy sources in terms of safety, autonomy, and supply stability, making them promising for Ukraine’s metallurgy.

Special attention is given to attracting private investment in SMR projects, which can reduce the financial burden on the state, accelerate technology implementation, and ensure effective resource management. Public-private partnerships create conditions for scaling SMRs, modernizing energy infrastructure, developing high-tech production, and stimulating economic growth in the sector.

As a result of the study, SMRs are recognized to have high potential for the development of Ukraine’s metallurgical industry. Their implementation can become a strategic direction for enhancing energy autonomy, competitiveness, and sustainable production development, ensuring stable, safe, and environmentally responsible energy supply for metallurgical enterprises.