European Commissioner outlines 6-point plan to save Ukrainian energy sector: details
19 August 2024 15:28
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson has published an op-ed in the Financial Times in which she suggested key areas of support for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter and in the face of Russian shelling, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
The European Commissioner expressed concern over the energy situation in Ukraine, stressing that Russia has destroyed or seized about half of the 9 GW of power generation capacity Ukraine needs.
Simson warned of the potentially serious consequences of a power shortage, including problems with water, sanitation and heating, which could make some parts of Ukraine uninhabitable in the winter.
It therefore called for increased support to Ukraine in the energy sector, proposing six key areas of action:
- Restoration of damaged energy facilities.
- Supplying small generators.
- Installation of solar panels for important facilities.
- Increasing electricity imports from Europe.
- Improving interconnection at the borders.
- Strengthening air defence near critical energy infrastructure.
The European Commissioner stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, calling for solidarity and generosity in supporting the country in the face of a difficult winter.
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.
