22.05.2023
Russian War Against Ukraine: Energy Dimension | DiXi Group Alert – weekly review
May 15-21
Summary
- On May 15, the enemy damaged equipment at one of the TPPs in the Donetsk region (probably, it was the Kurakhivska TPP). On May 19, main power lines were damaged that supply electricity generated by one of DTEK Energy power plants. On the night of May 22, 330–750 kV high–voltage lines were damaged, which led to the shutdown of one of the largest power plants, as well as a number of substations (of Ukrenergo and distribution system operators).
- Some consumers in 6 regions remained offline due to the terror of the frontline territories. During the week, engineers restored power supply to at least 120,000 consumers.
- On May 22, due to the damage to a high–voltage line, the Zaporizhzhia NPP lost power supply from the system and was operating on diesel generators, but Ukrenergo later restored the сonnection.
- According to the Deputy Minister of Energy Yaroslav Demchenkov, Ukraine needs to clear from landmines approximately 700 km² of area adjacent to energy infrastructure and 4,500 km of power lines.
- The available capacity and reserves in the power system decreased significantly due to the active repair and maintenance campaign at TPPs and NPPs. In the evening hours, all possible reserves are used in the power system to cover consumption. Specialists stabilise the power system by increasing generation at TPPs and intensifying imports (from Slovakia and Moldova). Yet Ukrenergo called on consumers to reduce power consumption in the peak hours (from 19:00 to 22:00).
- The government approved a preparation plan and a decision to set a headquarters to prepare housing and utilities for the next heating season. According to the PM Denys Shmyhal, the government is also establishing an algorithm for the repair of energy facilities. A stock of necessary equipment is being formed that may be needed to restore facilities after the next enemy’s attacks, among the most urgent needs are mobile gas turbines and gas piston units.
- To finance Ukraine’s recovery, the Fund for Elimination of Armed Aggression Consequences, the eRestoration programme and the Ukraine Development Fund have been established. The eRestoration programme received almost 11,700 applications during the week.
- The new draft law was published on the transition to a single operator in the management of gas transmission system. It provides for the termination of Mahistralni Gazoprovody Ukrainy JSC with the subsequent transfer of its property to GTSOU. The Supervisory Board of MGU shall operate until the new Supervisory Board is elected through a competition, but no later than October 31, 2023.
- The NEURC sent a letter to the government, initiating the implementation of the Procedure for the Protection of Vulnerable Consumers in Electricity and providing proposals.
- The authorities are considering moderate options for increasing electricity prices for households – so the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Utilities Andrii Gerus. In particular, there are proposals to set prices at 2.4 UAH/kWh and 2.8 UAH/kWh, depending on consumption volumes.
- The Cabinet of Ministers has approved Ukraine’s participation in the Connecting Europe.
