Russian War Against Ukraine: Energy Dimension (daily updating DiXi Group alert)
February 20
Summary
— According to the Minister of Environmental Protection Ruslan Strilets, the drop in the Kakhovka Reservoir water level can leave more than 1 million Ukrainians without access to drinking water. The decline below 12 m (with a standard of 16 m) will lead to environmental disaster and failure of the Zaporizhzhia NPP cooling systems.
— On February 18, during another Russia’s missile attack, the flight of two cruise missiles were recorded at the South Ukraine NPP site, in dangerous proximity to the nuclear facility.
— Russia continues blocking the rotation of the IAEA experts at the Zaporizhzhia NPP – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ukraine called for the expansion of sanctions against Rosatom, its affiliated companies and institutions, as well as other key factors of Russia’s nuclear energy industry.
— The President Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized the time has long come for “full sanctions” against the Russian missile industry, including the IT sector, sanctions on the Russian nuclear sector, Russian propagandists, including legal entities and all affiliates. Also, it is necessary to further reduce the price caps on Russian oil and oil products.
— According to Ukrenergo, on February 20, typically for the beginning of the working week, electricity consumption is gradually increasing. There is no capacity deficit in the power system and it is not currently forecasted. Imports of electricity are insignificant and approach zero levels as a result of supply stabilization.
— Ukraine may soon face the issue of resuming electricity exports during the day while preserving the imports in the evening peak – so the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy Andrii Gerus.
— The Cabinet of Ministers agreed to transfer the seized shares of several gas DSOs to the management of Chornomornaftogaz. According to the media referring to the court register, they include 61% in Ternopilgaz, 81.36% in Korostyshivgaz, 32.9% in Kirovohradgaz, 14.68% in Khmelnytskgaz, 65.77% in Melitopolgaz, as well as one share each in some other DSOs. The government also approved the draft law on state reserves.
— The Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced expanding the scope of disclosure of public procurement data during martial law. He added there will also be a reduction in the number of cases where procurements can be performed beyond the ProZorro electronic system.
— By December 2023, 7 million EUR will be transferred under the EU’s PHOENIX initiative for green urban renewal of Ukraine. Funds will be used to assist in planning during reconstruction, support in the development of climate neutral strategies, knowledge exchange in the management of green smart cities, and practices in the field of sustainable development and climate neutrality.
