Ukraine plans today to double its electricity imports following powerful Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said, quoted by Reuters.
Imports are expected to rise to 16,699 megawatt-hours compared to 7,600 imported yesterday, the ministry said in a message on its Telegram channel.
The planned import is close to the record of 18,659 megawatt hours that was recorded in late March after the first wave of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian power grid.
State-owned Ukrhydroenergo said earlier today that Russian bombings this week have caused significant damage to two hydroelectric plants and have put them out of action.
Before the Russian invasion, ten hydroelectric plants were operating in Ukraine, producing about 10 percent of Ukraine’s electricity.
Last year, Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka HPP, and with the latest attacks, only seven plants remain in operation at significantly reduced capacity.
Ukrainian authorities have reported that the country has also lost 80 percent of its thermal power plant capacity, and Ukraine now relies primarily on its three nuclear power plants, which produce about 60 percent of the country’s electricity.
Energy production from thermal and hydroelectric plants is necessary to keep supply and demand levels balanced during morning and evening peak hours.
“Today, at the request of Ukraine, emergency supplies of electricity from Poland, Romania and Slovakia have already been carried out,” the ministry said.
Emergency assistance will also be provided during the evening peak hours of electricity consumption, the department notes.
In a separate statement, Ukrainian power grid operator Ukrenergo said it expected significant power shortages for most of the day.
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