Ukraine struggles to keep lights on as major power firm faces lengthy repair

The head of Ukraine's largest private energy firm, DTEK, has revealed that the company had sustained severe damage, with five out of its six plants either damaged or destroyed.

This loss amounts to an 80% reduction in DTEK's generating capacity, following two weeks of relentless Russian attacks, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Russian missile and drone strikes targeted thermal and hydro power plants located in central and western Ukraine overnight on Friday, exacerbating the already dire situation. DTEK Executive Director Dmytro Sakharuk disclosed that the attacks had resulted in extensive damage to production facilities and distribution infrastructure across multiple regions.

Speaking on national television, Sakharuk lamented the devastation inflicted upon DTEK's operations, estimating losses of $300 million for equipment alone. Labor costs for repairs are expected to further strain the company's finances. Sakharuk underscored that the scale of destruction rendered 80% of DTEK's generating capacity inoperable, highlighting the urgent need for extensive repairs.

The toll of the attacks extends beyond DTEK, with other energy companies also bearing the brunt of the onslaught. A senior official at Centrenergo reported the complete destruction of the Zmiivska thermal plant in northeastern Kharkiv region during the March 22 attacks.

DTEK had previously invested $110 million in restoring facilities damaged by Russian attacks last year, but Sakharuk noted that two-thirds of those repaired blocks had been destroyed again. He cautioned that the extensive repairs required would span months, with some facilities possibly offline for up to a year and a half.

Sakharuk emphasized the challenges ahead, acknowledging that the gradual restoration of power would depend on the time-consuming process of manufacturing essential equipment such as turbines, generators, and transformers.

As Ukraine grapples with the devastating consequences of the attacks on its energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the "vile strikes" orchestrated by Russia, calling for urgent assistance from international partners to safeguard Ukraine against further aggression.