All nine Ukrainian-controlled power units will be operational in winter - Galushchenko

Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko said that all nine Ukrainian-controlled nuclear power plant units will operate in winter.

“Nuclear energy, even without the Zaporozhye station, still produces over 50% of electricity, so it is our key generation. In November and until March, generation will work at full speed, which means nine units will be under our control," said the head of the Ministry of Energy.

At the same time, Galushchenko noted that as of today, government plans to rebuild production have been implemented "about 80%".

“We are approaching the end of the company itself. So we have a margin of safety and we will definitely go into winter," the official explained.

The minister also added that there is a risk of a blackout in winter, but in his opinion it all depends on the scale of destruction.

“Even if they are quite noticeable, there will be a period of time during which we will have to activate the power system. Therefore, the goal that the Russians have set and may be setting for this winter, i.e. a complete blackout, will most likely not be achieved," concluded Galushchenko.

Read Sospilny's entire interview with the Minister of Energy soon.

What is the situation with electricity supplies in Ukraine

In the fall of 2022, Russia began regularly shelling Ukrainian energy infrastructure. In December, as a result of the occupiers' strikes, half of the power system was turned off. Then a state of emergency was introduced in the energy sector.

International organizations and governments sent generators and other aid to restore electricity, and on December 13, the first energy "Ramstein" was held in Paris, where it was approved to grant Ukraine one billion dollars to survive the winter.

After massive shelling on December 16, Ukraine introduced a state of emergency in the energy sector. In December, half of Ukraine's energy system was disabled by Russian shelling.

In October 2022, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that in 2023 Ukraine would need another $17 billion for the rapid reconstruction of energy, critical and housing infrastructure and economic recovery.

On July 25, Shmygal reported that in Ukraine, in preparation for winter, approximately 60% of the planned work on the reconstruction of power grids damaged during massive attacks by the Russian Federation had already been completed.

On July 30, the Prime Minister announced that the state has funds for the reconstruction, renovation, and protection of energy facilities, and it is important that all planned activities are implemented on time. He emphasized that before the heating season begins, the Ministry of Energy has a clear task – to add 1.7 GW of power to the power system. By the end of the year, in November-December, another 1.2 GW will be added to the system. Renovations and security of energy facilities are underway.