Is Ukraine's power system ready for last winter's scenario - Ukrenergo's CEO
CEO of Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
There may be problems related to massive shelling during this winter. But the power system will not collapse and will continue to operate, according to the head of Ukrenergo (Ukrainian National Power Company), Volodymyr Kudrytskyi.
Kudrytskyi said that, preparations for the heating season are currently underway.
"Speaking about the Ukrenergo network, we are already prepared to transport winter volumes of electricity. Currently, there are no restrictions on the network or electricity production," he said.
According to him, there is an intensive campaign to repair power generation.
One of the main lessons from last winter is that Ukraine significantly reinforced the engineering protection of all major energy facilities.
"We also have a good experience in countering mass attacks and know how to maintain the system. Our heroic air defense forces have also demonstrated very high results," Kudrytskyi added.
Furthermore, Ukrainian citizens have the experience of the past winter behind them, and it is unlikely that the enemy can surprise them with anything, he added.
"So, I believe we will definitely get through the winter. There may be difficulties related to shelling, but the energy system will not collapse, the energy system will continue to work. We will manage," Kudrytskyi said.
Challenging winter
Russia actively employed mass attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure last year. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the formation of a multi-level defense for energy facilities. "Winter will be challenging, but we must endure," he said.
Earlier, the head of Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, said that Ukraine will have enough electricity in winter, but Russian mass shelling could change the situation. According to him, energy experts are considering all options, including the worst-case scenario - a repetition of mass missile and drone attacks specifically on the energy system.
At the same time, he noted that power outages are a risk, not a certainty, to which everyone in Ukraine must be prepared if Russia resorts to energy terrorism again.
