By KYIV. Jan 11 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The absence of the occupied Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and a number of thermal power plants in the power grid against the backdrop of increased consumption due to cold weather leads to a significant increase in the shortage of electricity, which, for example, is projected at 4,300 MW during the evening peak hours on January 11, member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy Serhiy Nahorniak has said.
"The situation in the energy system is complicated. At night, the deficit reaches around 1,200 MW, during the evening peak hours, for example, today it is predicted at the level of 4,300 MW," Nahorniak said on the air of the national telethon on Wednesday.
According to him, if five of the six units of the ZNPP, which is occupied by the Russian troops, were working, this would be enough to cover such a deficit.
He also said that in addition to the ZNPP, DTEK’s Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Donetsk region, three of the ten units of Burshtyn TPP of this company in Ivano-Frankivsk region, and one of the nine NPP power units available to Ukraine, which is in the scheduled repair, are not working in Ukraine.
According to the MP, the shortage of electricity is connected precisely with a decrease in power generation against the background of a cold snap, which leads to an increase in consumption, which necessitates the use of hourly and emergency schedules for power outages.
He expressed hope that with warmer temperatures, as well as the launch of non-operating capacities, the situation will improve, and there will be fewer outages, although, in his opinion, the situation will still remain difficult until spring.
"We hope that the power engineers will repair Burshty TPP in the near future, so that all the units will work, and the nuclear industry will get one additional unit. We also hope that the Ukrainians will use electricity more economically so that there are at least no emergency power outages," he said.
Regarding the situation with the energy supply in Kyiv, Nahorniak drew attention to the energy dependence of the capital, which "consumes a lot, but has little generating capacity."
"We saw how the enemy was aiming at switchgear, allowing electricity to be supplied to the capital. But the biggest problem is the lack of generation. There is no resource to cover the need," he said.
At the same time, the parliamentarian noted that Ukraine is already holding consultations with leading manufacturers of mini-power plants in order to start creating a decentralized energy supply system. However, he noted that it would take a long time and require large investments.
"We must understand that in one year, even in peacetime, it is difficult to build a decentralized energy system for each city separately. At least a year is needed only for design decisions. Huge capital investments are also needed. These are billions of dollars," Nahorniak said.
In addition, he noted that the price of such electricity, if mini-power plants run on gas, will be much higher than nuclear or hydroelectric power.
However, he called the use of diesel generators, which Ukraine receives most of all in the form of international assistance, a prompt solution to the problem of energy supply, especially critical infrastructure.
Answering a question about the likelihood of an increase in utility tariffs, the people’s deputy emphasized that the government promised to leave them unchanged until the end of the fall-winter period, but noted that tariffs are also a source of development of a decentralized system and cannot be unprofitable for generation.
"Today, Energoatom and Ukrhydroenergo bear on their shoulders more than UAH 100 billion in subsidies to the population, covering the difference in the electricity tariff and its market price. We must be psychologically prepared to raise tariffs so that our generation can work and develop without loss," he said.
As reported, Ukrenergo for the second time in a row sets round-the-clock limits for the use of electricity in all regions, but due to their excess, emergency shutdowns were introduced in at least five of them in the first half of the day. In Kyiv, according to the schedules of DTEK Kyiv Electric Grids, guaranteed electricity supplies are observed only for six hours a day.
