Ukraine has lost about 9 gigawatts of generating capacity as a result of seven recent Russian attacks on the energy sector. This is half of the country’s total energy production, or equivalent to the energy consumption of the Netherlands for three months or the total consumption of Slovakia and the Baltic countries.
This was announced by Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Chairman of the Board of NPC Ukrenergo, Babel reports.
According to him, in preparation for this and next winter, Ukraine must immediately begin construction of distributed generation facilities.
Volodymyr Kudrytskyi said that the dispersal of small power plants would make Ukraine’s energy system more resistant to Russian attacks.
Unfortunately, we have to deal with the reality that the attacks are likely to continue. And we have to be prepared, we have to restore as much of the generation as possible before winter. We have to ask for additional air defense to protect what we are restoring. But we also have to deploy new generating capacity to make sure that if the Russians do these attacks again, they won’t be able to concentrate on 10 or 15 large power plants, but will have to deal with a huge number of small ones. And here we come to the issue of decentralization of generation. And this should be done not after the victory, not after the war, but right now. We need to start right now, – said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi.
Briefly about electricity generation
NPPs generate more than 50% of electricity in Ukraine. During winter periods of high consumption, this figure can reach 70%.
Thermal and hydroelectric power plants also provide additional electricity. They are necessary because they can be ramped up relatively quickly to cover short-term consumption growth.
Without additional capacities, the power system faces imbalances and shortages.
