Ukrainian energy: it won’t be easy, but betrayal is not the time
5 July 2024 10:29
Kostiantyn Semeyko – Doctor of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher, Scientific Secretary and Head of the Laboratory at the Institute for Nuclear Power Plant Safety Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Unfortunately, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has long been a target for enemy attacks. Since the “Kyiv in three days” plan did not work, the Russians are destroying the energy sector and the economy step by step, using the terror they know so well.
The destruction caused to domestic energy facilities requires Ukraine to take decisive and prompt action, as the next winter is likely to be much more difficult than the last. Of course, we can continue to sow “treason” and throw up our hands, as the damaged facilities will not be repaired by magic. However, against the backdrop of so many negative forecasts, we all need a healthy understanding of the situation and hope for the best.
Despite the fact that the Ukrainian power system is suffering from constant shelling, power engineers continue to do everything possible to avoid blackouts. All available resources and capabilities are being used for this purpose.
First, nuclear generation. We can talk as much as we want about the expediency or inexpediency of “new” construction. But the truth is that if the construction of nuclear units had been considered inexpedient 20-30 years ago, the situation today would have been catastrophic. And now nuclear engineers are doing everything they can to keep the power grid running.
Yes, unfortunately, power outages do not add to the positive mood, but this is not the worst case scenario. And the situation will definitely improve after the repair campaign. Last year’s experience of Energoatom confirms this. The operation of all power units located in the territory controlled by Ukraine and a relatively warm winter “held” the national power system. This is because nuclear generation remains the largest in Ukraine’s energy balance.
For some reason, the current critics and opponents of nuclear generation forget the fact that every time a power unit is shut down for refuelling, it creates huge problems with electricity supply and people are forced to stay without electricity for up to 12 hours a day.
Secondly, distributed power generation. This is one of the areas in which both the Government and the Ministry of Energy are currently working. Among other things, we have discussed this with international partners who are ready to help us. Gas turbines and other types of installations of several megawatts can have a positive impact on the state of the national power grid. In addition, decisions are being made to accelerate the development of distributed generation on the ground, thus decentralising electricity production. Such installations are a much more difficult target for the enemy than large thermal power plants and CHPs.
The Ministry of Energy is considering various opportunities to strengthen the Ukrainian energy system. These include increasing renewable energy capacity and installing modern energy storage systems.
The main issue is money. Investments and charitable assistance come, in particular, through the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine. It was created at the request of the national Ministry of Energy and its head, Herman Galushchenko, and supported by many European and overseas partners, led by European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The total amount of donor contributions to the Fund has now exceeded half a billion euros.
Of course, the Russians have destroyed or damaged many facilities that have been built over the years. Therefore, replacing the entire infrastructure will not be easy or quick. Experts have already started working at those sites where it is possible to resume electricity production, looking for ways and, most importantly, equipment to replace the damaged ones. And this is what we should focus on, so there is no time for betrayal!
