Ukraine repairs and upgrades to power grid ahead of feared Russian winter attacks

• 2 years ago (2023-06-23)
• David Flin

Distribution 150 Europe 1151

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Ukraine Energy Minister German Galushchenko has said that Ukraine is carrying out its largest ever programme of repairs and rehabilitation to its power network to prepare for another winter of possible Russian air strikes. Missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure following Russia’s full-scale invasion last year caused sweeping blackouts for millions of Ukrainians during the winter.

Galushchenko said: “The most extensive repair campaign in Ukraine’s history of energy facilities is currently under way. Power generation and distribution facilities are being restored, and work is under way to strengthen the power system’s resilience to military challenges.”

State-owned power distributor Ukrenergo estimates around 43 per cent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been damaged, and some 70 per cent of its substations have been attacked at least twice.