Kyiv's Key Power Plants Unlikely to Be Repaired Before Winter Ends, Expert Warns of Further Attacks

The Status of CHP-5 and CHP-6

According to ХВИЛЯ: Two of Kyiv's major combined heat and power plants, CHP-5 and CHP-6, will not be restored to full capacity before the end of the current heating season. According to Gennadiy Ryabtsev, a leading research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, only partial repairs are possible, and the facilities face a critical threat of renewed destruction from shelling. These plants are crucial for providing both electricity and central heating to the Ukrainian capital.

CHP-5 and CHP-6 sustained significant damage during a major missile attack. On January 13, the enemy launched 18 ballistic missiles at Ukrainian infrastructure, of which only two were successfully intercepted. Ryabtsev noted that repairing the damaged pipelines alone will take 'at least a month.' He warned that rolling blackouts will likely continue in a cyclical pattern until the end of spring, severely complicating the heating situation for residents.

Ongoing Heating and Electricity Challenges

The expert stated that the probability of the power plants returning to full operation is 'extremely low.' He pointed to deficiencies in air defense systems that leave energy infrastructure vulnerable to new attacks. Ryabtsev added that

“unfortunately, this cyclical pattern of disruption is likely to persist for a long time”

(Gennadiy Ryabtsev), highlighting the prolonged difficulties utility companies will face.

Ryabtsev also warned that a broader utility collapse could occur if officials ignore directives from utility companies regarding the safety of in-building systems. Illustrating the challenges of winter conditions, he asked,

“Now that snow has covered everything, who will go out in minus 15-degree weather to clear it? And what will they use to clear that snow?”

(Gennadiy Ryabtsev).

Drawing a parallel to the 30,000 people evacuated during the Chornobyl disaster, Ryabtsev stressed the urgent need for backup generators to maintain heating. Given these compounding factors, the restoration of CHP-5 and CHP-6 before winter's end appears highly unlikely, leaving Kyiv's energy situation precarious.

Kyiv's energy security remains critically unstable due to the ongoing war, creating severe hardships for local civilians. Unpredictable shelling, damaged infrastructure, and air defense shortcomings threaten to cause even greater difficulties in supplying heat and power. This underscores the vital importance of public preparedness, including the use of alternative energy sources like generators, especially during the coldest months.