As a result of the massive attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the country will need to build new heat and power plants (CHPs) for Kyiv and implement small gas generation facilities over the next four to five years. These steps are necessary to ensure stable energy supply in the capital and the region.
This is reported by Finway
Energy Supply Situation in Kyiv and the Region
The cold weather that persisted from January 19 to 25 further complicated the energy situation: electricity consumption increased by 7 GWh, which accounts for nearly half of the total consumption across the country. Domestic generation was insufficient to meet the rising demands, while imports could only compensate for about 2.3 GWh. As a result, the capital and the region had to simultaneously implement 5–7 stages of restrictions for residential consumers.
The situation remains particularly challenging in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. The energy supply of the capital region depends on the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant for 75–80%, while Russian troops continuously strike distribution stations and Kyiv’s CHPs-5 and CHPs-6.
Prospects for Recovery and Repair of Energy Facilities
Work continues in Ukraine to restore energy facilities damaged due to massive shelling in 2022–2023. The recovery of CHPs is delayed due to the complexity of the equipment and a lack of necessary components. Experts note that the production of steam boilers and gas-steam turbines takes a considerable amount of time, and some equipment must be ordered from European partners. The delivery of transformers from countries like Austria or Germany can take up to four months.
“Steam boilers and gas-steam turbines are produced slowly, and some have to be ordered from European partners. The delivery of one transformer from Austria or Germany can take up to four months,” said Ihnatiev.
According to Stanislav Ihnatiev, head of the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, the restoration of operations at Kyiv’s CHPs-5 and CHPs-6 is expected only in the next heating season. It will not be possible to restore full heat generation by March. Currently, emergency heating schemes are being used in Kyiv, which allow for heating in homes but with limitations on volume and pressure.
Experts estimate that the country’s energy system is in a complex but controlled state. The electricity deficit will remain for at least another 3–5 years. According to Ihnatiev, Ukrainians will have to get used to living “in a country of generators” for now.