Fire erupts at Russian Dorogobuzh power plant power supplying major defense facility
Photo: Dorogobuzh Thermal Power Plant burned down in Russia at night (video screenshot)
In Russia, the Dorogobuzh thermal power plant in the Smolensk region, which supplies chemical production important for Russia's defense industry, burned down at night, according to Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council's Center for Strategic Communications.
"The Russians' Dorogobuzh thermal power plant burned down at night. It powers chemical production, which is super important for Russia's defense industry," says Kovalenko.
According to him, the Dorogobuzh chemical plant produces ammonia, nitrates, and nitrogen fertilizers, which are basic components for the production of explosives, in particular ammonium nitrate and nitrate mixtures for military needs.
"Without power supply from the thermal power plant, their production stops. It also provides a stable energy supply to defense enterprises in the Smolensk region," he adds.
Kovalenko also emphasizes that the region is home to industries that work for the Russian military-industrial complex: instrument manufacturing, metallurgical plants, and repair facilities. The thermal power plant partially supports the energy sector of this industrial zone.
Dorogobuzh thermal power plant
Dorogobuzh PJSC is a large industrial enterprise that is part of the Acron Group and is one of the leading producers of mineral fertilizers in Russia. It is the largest employer, taxpayer, and exporter in the Smolensk region.
The plant manufactures mineral fertilizers, including nitrogen (ammonium nitrate) and complex fertilizers. According to 2024 data, the volume of commercial production amounted to approximately 2.1–2.3 million tons.
Ammonium nitrate is mainly used in the agricultural sector, but it also has industrial applications, in particular as a component of some explosives. Because of this, the plant's products, especially ammonium nitrate and nitric acid, are dual-use goods.
On the night of December 11, drones massively attacked Russia. There are likely to be casualties in a number of regions.
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