Ukraine faces generating capacity constraints for years, says Oleksandr Kharchenko

Ukraine is set to face significant constraints in power generation for at least three to four years. 

Oleksandr Kharchenko, Director of the Energy Research Center, outlined the challenges stemming from destroyed and damaged infrastructure, speaking at a briefing at Media Center Ukraine. 

“Our short-term threats are long-term in terms of their elimination,” Kharchenko stated. “The main problem is the lack of generating capacities, which are either destroyed or damaged. And, unfortunately, even where they have been restored, they have not been restored to a state of capital quality. They have been restored to the point where they work. Therefore, unfortunately, we have to state that in the near future, we will be limited in generating capacity for at least three to four years until we build new ones. The damaged ones are likely to be gradually retired, as they have served their purpose, and thermal generation has served its purpose.”

Kharchenko also highlighted challenges associated with high-voltage networks.

“Large hydropower generation will be restored, and it will most likely add certain volumes to the power system in the spring. I really hope that nuclear generation will continue to operate at the full capacity it should be operating at now. And the main tactical problem will remain the damage to high-voltage networks, which will lead to a limitation of output from nuclear power plants and certain restrictions on the transportation of electricity within the country,” he said.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news