Due to constant Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, Ukraine is once again facing a serious challenge as it enters the fourth heating season. The main threat is protecting energy facilities from daily attacks by hundreds of drones and missiles.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
This was stated in an interview with AFP by Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk. “Every heating season, every winter during the war for Ukraine, is a serious challenge,” she said.
According to Hrynchuk, the biggest problem this year is ensuring the security of energy facilities. After each attack, most of the damaged equipment can be restored, but Russia continuously changes its offensive tactics.
To protect infrastructure, Ukraine is using comprehensive measures: physical protection of facilities with gabions, technical systems to counter drones and missiles, and strengthening air defense. “The enemy has changed tactics, and we also need to change our defense,” the minister emphasized.
This year, the state of the gas infrastructure is particularly challenging. Ukraine aims to store at least 13.2 billion cubic meters of gas in underground storage and additionally import over 4.5 billion cubic meters to ensure a stable winter.
In addition, the country plans to restart all nine power units of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, including six previously shut-down reactors. If necessary, Ukraine can import 2.1 GW of electricity through high-voltage lines connected to the European system.
The minister stressed that Ukraine’s goal is not only to withstand attacks but also to lay the foundation for a safer, cleaner energy future. The country is actively developing renewable energy, installing wind turbines and solar panels, planning to expand nuclear capacities including mini-reactors, and developing battery and hydro storage systems.