Appointment of the Head of the Board of JSC NAEC Energoatom: nuclear workers sound the alarm

At the final stage of the competition for the position of Head of JSC NAEC Energoatom, they plan to appoint a person who does not have a personal license from the State Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Ukraine to perform organizational and managerial functions ensuring safety, moreover — has no experience in the nuclear industry. These candidate requirements were removed by the Cabinet of Ministers in June from the list of mandatory qualifications. Such a step was justified by citing examples of certain foreign operators where corporate governance and technical management of nuclear safety are separated.

However, in our realities this is extremely dangerous. The Head of the Board is responsible for key decisions. If he sharpens only on financial indicators, not understanding the processes happening at the NPP, this will entail the risk of reduced spending on repair, modernization, and protection. In an emergency, a person who does not even know the basics of nuclear safety will not be able to issue a proper action plan.

An open letter in which the AutoIndustry Trade Union appeals to all authorities of Ukraine explains what consequences the appointment of a candidate without proper knowledge in a high-tech field associated with increased danger will have, and calls to restore professional standards.