uAH 8 billion for protection against darkness: how Ukrainian regions are preparing for blackouts
17 December 2024 13:30
According to the DOZORRO TI Ukraine project, in the fall of 2024, UAH 2.8 billion worth of anti-blackout equipment was purchased through the Prozorro system in Ukraine. As of December 12, the system is still procuring such equipment for an additional UAH 1.4 billion, according to [Kommersant].
Since the beginning of the year, the total amount of contracts for anti-blackout equipment has exceeded UAH 8 billion. Cogeneration units accounted for the largest share of expenditures – UAH 3.2 billion (40%), generators and gas piston units – UAH 2.6 billion (31%), and batteries with charging stations – UAH 1.9 billion. Less than UAH 500 million was spent on solar stations and panels.
Utilities in large cities were particularly active in procurement. In November, Kharkivvodokanal purchased 19 gas generators with a total capacity of 21 MW for UAH 580 million. In Kyiv, the Center for Traffic Organization purchased 250 backup power supply cabinets for UAH 74 million to ensure the operation of the city’s infrastructure. Lvivteploenergo invested more than UAH 470 million in cogeneration units.
Kyiv (UAH 4.2 billion), Kharkiv (UAH 1.1 billion), and Lviv (UAH 627 million) regions were the leaders in terms of total spending on such equipment in 2024.
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Situation in the Ukrainian energy sector
on March 22, 2024, Russia resumed its attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, carrying out one of the most massive shelling attacks in the entire period of the full-scale war. In particular, DniproHES and other Ukrainian energy facilities were hit. Since then, Russia has been regularly shelling Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
For example, the Russians destroyed the Trypillia and Zmiiv thermal power plants, causing Centrenergo to lose 100% of its generation. Also, 5 of DTEK’s 6 thermal power plants were severely damaged.
After that, power outages began again in Ukraine, Ukrenergo introduced blackout schedules, and the government raised electricity tariffs by 60% at once.
At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to build two new units at the Khmelnytsky N PP and has already received approval from the relevant parliamentary committee. The Razumkov Center has criticized these plans, but some experts believe that only traitors or scoundrels are against the construction of nuclear power plants today.
Russia launched another massive attack on the Ukrainian energy sector on August 26. This time, they targeted distribution and power generation systems, and also hit the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant.
Russia carried out the most massive shelling of Ukraine on November 17, 2024, firing 127 cruise, ballistic, and supersonic missiles and 109 attack drones. DTEK reported serious damage to its thermal power plants. The situation in Odesa and Odesa region was the most difficult: on the night of July 18, the city was partially without electricity and water. Ukraine reintroduces power outage schedules on July 18
Some experts believe that the blackouts may last until spring. And the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine recently voiced the worst-case scenario, which envisages blackouts of up to 20 hours a day.
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