South Ukrainian NPP undergoes unscheduled repairs: how this will affect the national power grid
13 September 2024 15:22
EXCLUSIVE
In the coming weeks, an unscheduled repair of Unit 2 of the South Ukrainian NPP, which is an important source of electricity, is likely to take place. Volodymyr Omelchenko, Director of Energy Programmes at the Razumkov Centre, told Komersant Ukrainskyi
in an exclusive commentary. However, it is not known whether more frequent power cuts will return to consumers, as this is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict.
“On 5 September, it was reported that Unit 2 of the South Ukrainian NPP, not even the unit, but the main circulation pump on it, which is needed to pump the reactor cooling fluid, was damaged and needs to be repaired. But how long it will take is unknown. It is also unknown when exactly this will happen, possibly next week, possibly the week after. This will definitely have a negative impact on Ukraine’s energy balance. However, it is hard to say whether consumers will feel it, as it is likely that there will be coordinated actions with the heating companies. And when the unit is repaired, it is possible that thermal units will compensate for this loss,”
– omelchenko said.
The Director of Energy Programmes at the Razumkov Centre added that imports may also increase and weather conditions may improve.
“If these factors are favourable, we will not feel this event. If not, there may be hourly outage schedules. In general, the system operates with a deficit that is covered by imports. But it is difficult to predict anything now, because many factors have to come into play. I’m not 100% sure that scheduled outages will be introduced, even if this unit goes for unscheduled repairs,”
– omelchenko said.
The expert said that today, unlike yesterday, no outage schedules have been introduced because the weather is sunny.
“This means that solar power plants are producing more electricity. Their role today is quite high in ensuring the energy balance – about 15%,”
– the expert added.
He emphasised that the energy situation is on the brink, and it is very difficult to balance it, so it is important that consumers consume electricity economically, especially during peak hours.
The situation in the Ukrainian energy sector
on 29 March 2024, Russia resumed its attacks on the Ukrainian energy sector, carrying out the most massive shelling 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 started 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 NPP and has already received the approval of the relevant parliamentary committee. The Razumkov Centre has criticised 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 26 August. This time, they attacked the distribution and electricity supply systems, and also hit the Kyiv hydroelectric power station.
Some experts believe that the blackouts could last until spring. The National Security and Defence Council’s Disinformation Countermeasures Centre recently voiced a worst-case scenario that envisages blackouts of up to 20 hours a day.
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