Ukrenergo warns of possible prolonged power outages this summer
In Ukraine, prolonged power outages are possible during peak hours in the summer due to high demand on the power grid and Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, according to Ukrenergo.
This was announced by Vitaliy Zaychenko, chairman of the board of Ukrenergo.
He noted that the situation in the Ukrainian power grid is currently relatively stable, but the risks of new large-scale attacks by Russia remain high.
At the same time, Zaychenko emphasized that Russian troops are well acquainted with the architecture of the Ukrainian power grid and are deliberately attempting to target its vulnerable elements.
At the same time, as noted, Russia does not have complete information regarding distributed generation but is attempting to obtain it. Attacks on small energy facilities have already been recorded in frontline regions.
Ukrenergo confirms that large power generation facilities remain known to the enemy, and strikes on energy infrastructure have already been recorded this week.
“The enemy knows where the large-scale generation facilities are; there have already been strikes on them this week. If there are massive attacks on generation facilities, we will need to balance the power grid. This can be done through restrictions and blackouts,” said the head of Ukrenergo.
At the same time, power system officials emphasize that the situation this summer is significantly better than in previous years, thanks to the growing share of distributed generation, the construction of new power plants with enhanced security, strengthened protection of substations, and greater resilience of the power grid.
Nevertheless, in the event of massive attacks and temperatures exceeding 30°C, electricity consumption restrictions are possible.
“Potentially, following massive shelling, restrictions could last not just 2–3 hours, but up to 5 hours during peak periods,” Zaychenko noted.
According to experts’ estimates, daytime demand can be met through nuclear and renewable generation, as well as electricity imports. At the same time, evening consumption peaks may require temporary restrictions to balance the system.
Source: RBC-Ukraine
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