Ukraine enters a new heating season with sufficient stocks of gas, coal, and oil products, but the key risk remains the potential Russian attacks on thermal generation. This was stated by the director of the Energy Research Center Oleksandr Kharchenko.
According to him, thanks to a decentralized supply system and access to European markets, the fuel sector is now protected. 'Ukraine has a unique system that is completely decentralized. We can trade from trucks and provide the entire country with gasoline, diesel, and everything needed,'
emphasized the expert.
At the same time, Kharchenko noted that the most vulnerable places in terms of electricity supply are large cities, particularly Kyiv and Odesa. 'There is no worse situation in terms of possible electricity interruption than in Odesa and Kyiv. These are two very deficit energy regions,'
he noted.
He associates the most serious threat with attacks on thermal generation in frontline cities. '
The only part of the energy system that worries me today is the thermal generation in certain cities. There, barbarians can really decide to deprive the cities of heat in winter. And that is the biggest danger,'Kharchenko emphasized.
Despite the risks, the expert believes that the country has enough reserves and resources to get through the winter without large-scale blackouts. According to him, emergency crews are now working significantly faster than at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, and international support has allowed for the formation of critically important reserves.
At the same time, the issue of stable winter passage remains open. The heating season may be under threat, which is why '
Naftogaz' has sought help from international partners. As stated by the company's head Serhiy Koretsky during a meeting with representatives of the IMF mission, Ukraine needs the support of international financial institutions to ensure energy stability during this most challenging period.
Ukraine is prepared for the winter heating season, has sufficient fuel stocks and reserves, but the threat of potential Russian attacks on thermal generation remains. Deficit regions in terms of electricity supply are Kyiv and Odesa, but experts emphasize that the country is capable of getting through the winter without serious problems, thanks to preparation and international support.