Ukraine Scours Eastern Europe for Soviet-Era Power Plants to Rebuild its Grid

Searching for Soviet-Era Power Stations in Eastern Europe

According to Главком: Ukraine is actively searching Eastern European nations for Soviet-era combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and power stations. The goal is to salvage components from these facilities to repair its own damaged energy infrastructure. This effort is a direct response to Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's power grid, which have caused widespread blackouts. To expedite the process, the government is establishing an equipment reserve, as standard procurement for new parts can take four to six months-a timeline Ukraine cannot afford.

Ukrainian technical experts have already begun traveling to potential sites to inventory and assess the condition of available equipment. A delegation that visited several Eastern European countries concluded its work last week, focusing on locating old Soviet-type power stations and CHPPs.

"Today, we are paying significant attention to working with our energy sector. Of course, there is a major demand today for equipment to repair thermal power plants and CHPPs. Accordingly, partners are providing funds, and the Ukraine Energy Support Fund has been established. This fund already has requests totaling 1.8 billion euros," stated Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Shmyhal further emphasized that "we continue to work with our partners to search for old Soviet-type power plants and stations in Eastern Europe. We are finding such facilities." He added that specific details about located objects cannot yet be disclosed publicly, but Ukraine is already processing a number of them. This initiative has gained urgency following significant damage to the Darnytsia CHPP from recent Russian attacks.

A Strategy for Restoring Energy Security

Ukraine continues to explore all avenues to rebuild its energy infrastructure, including deepening cooperation with Eastern European partners. This search for compatible Soviet-era parts is a key component of a broader national strategy to restore energy security amid ongoing military aggression.

Refurbishing old power stations and CHPPs could substantially accelerate the recovery of the national grid, which is critical for ensuring a stable electricity supply across the country. The creation of the Energy Support Fund, with its 1.8 billion euros in requested aid, also highlights the intensification of international financial assistance for Ukraine during this challenging period.