Six of the nine nuclear power plant units are in operation in Ukraine
Six of the nine state-controlled nuclear power units are currently operational in Ukraine. Three more units are undergoing repairs, and the country plans to significantly increase its total power generation by the start of winter.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced this in the Verkhovna Rada. According to him, repair work has already been completed on five nuclear power units. Three more are currently undergoing repairs.
Nuclear power plants play a key role in Ukraine’s power grid. They account for over 40% of the country’s total electricity generation. By comparison, thermal power plants provide about 20%, and hydropower accounts for approximately 15%.
Ukraine plans to increase electricity generation
Shmyhal also spoke about plans to restore power generation capacity. As of the end of August, Ukraine had approximately 15 GW of generating capacity. The plan is to increase this figure to 19.6 GW by November 1 and to 21.4 GW by the end of the year.
However, these plans depend on the situation during the war. According to Shmyhal, increasing capacity will be possible only if Russian troops do not destroy the restored facilities. “The plans remain valid as long as the enemy does not destroy the restored generating capacity,” the minister noted.
How Much Capacity Has Already Been Restored
The government has already repaired 4.8 GW of generating capacity. Another 4 GW or so is currently under repair. This work is intended to strengthen the power grid ahead of the heating season. At the same time, due to constant Russian attacks, the final amount of available generation will depend not only on the pace of repairs but also on how well the restored facilities can be protected.
Ukraine continues to prepare its power grid for the winter, when demand traditionally increases. Shmyhal reported this to the Verkhovna Rada.
On August 18, a drone exploded near a bus stop used by employees of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. According to the IAEA, one person was killed, 15 others were injured, and three of them are in critical condition. Among the victims are employees of the plant and contractors.
