Former Energy Minister Outlines Urgent Steps to Stabilize Ukraine's Power Grid

Ivan Plachkov Discusses the State of Ukrainian Energy

According to Главком: In an interview with the publication Glavkom, former Energy Minister Ivan Plachkov analyzed the condition of Ukraine's energy sector and the immediate actions required for stabilization. Plachkov stressed that restoring the energy infrastructure demands a shift in approach. He particularly emphasized the critical need to urgently order equipment for the CHP-5 and CHP-6 combined heat and power plants to ensure they can be repaired before the next winter season.

Key Factors for Stabilizing the Energy Situation

According to Plachkov, the near-term energy situation hinges on two key factors:

• Providing repair crews with all necessary resources to complete their tasks;
• Strengthening air defense for the remaining critical facilities.

He noted that protective structures, such as "turtle" shelters, cannot substantially improve the situation, as this is simply not feasible.

Furthermore, Plachkov pointed out that Kyiv lacks a real replacement for its large thermal power plants, and smaller cogeneration units are incapable of significantly contributing to the power supply for major cities. These factors underscore the necessity for urgent action to stabilize the national energy system. The country's grid remains under immense strain from both aging infrastructure and targeted attacks.

The situation in Ukrainian energy remains critical, exacerbated not only by worn-out equipment but also by external threats. With winter approaching, urgent measures to restore CHP-5 and CHP-6 are especially pressing. Problems with electricity supply could have severe consequences for the population and industry, making it imperative for the government and energy companies to take the necessary steps to prevent a full-scale energy crisis.