KIEV, September 1 (RIA Novosti, Anna Vernoslova) - Ukraine is stepping up its nuclear power program, the country's fuel and energy minister said Friday.

"There is no alternative to nuclear power industry development," Yuriy Boyko said.

He said the United States and China planned to build 20 nuclear reactors each in the next few decades, and that they were also developing fast neutron reactor projects.

"Our country, which is among the top three nuclear power producers, and which has huge experience in this sphere, including experience of tragedy, should be actively integrated into these projects and take part in all civilian nuclear power development programs," the minister said.

Ukraine's four nuclear power plants currently employ a total of fifteen power units. National energy company Energoatom plans to build another 10 power units in the country by 2030.