Ukraine adds 1.7 GW of power capacity

• 6 months ago (2023-10-09)
• David Flin

Distribution 108 Europe 1061

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Ukraine is undertaking a massive effort to repair and reinforce its energy infrastructure before winter in anticipation of Russian attempts to damage power plants and grid infrastructure with missile and drone attacks as part of its invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Energy Ministry has announced that of the planned 1.7 GW of additional capacity, 1.5 GW have already been added to the system. These additions were achieved through modernising and upgrading thermal power units and restoring hydropower units damaged in Russian strikes.

Nuclear power, which produced 50 per cent of Ukraine’s electricity even after the Russian capture of the Zaporizhzhia plant, is expected to play a key role. All nine nuclear reactors in Ukraine’s control are expected to operate at full capacity.

Thermal power plants are expected to supply 4.5 GW following the repairs carried out. Hydropower units are projected to reach 2 GW.

Herman Haluschenko, Ukraine’s Energy Minister, said that Russia has not abandoned plans to continue assaults on energy infrastructure. He said that systemic attacks on power facilities will likely complicate Ukraine’s winter. He said: “The challenges that await us during the next heating season are enormous. They are related to the attacks that Russia will continue to carry out on our energy system.”

Ukraine has procured 100 new transformers, half from domestic factories and half stored abroad until needed to replace destroyed equipment.