PM of Ukraine on situation in energy sector: Ukraine lost 50% of generation due to shelling

This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the air of the nationwide telethon "United News", an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The situation in the energy sector is very difficult, Russia has destroyed 50% of our electricity generation capacity. As of today, we have lost 9.2 GW of electricity due to missile and drone attacks, which is half of our capacity, which we used to have last winter, for example. In fact, 42 power units have been destroyed, 27% of large thermal power plants remain in operation, 73% have been destroyed or damaged and are not working today," Shmyhal said.

In addition, he said, 20 hydroelectric power units with a total capacity of 1.3 GW are out of operation due to destruction or damage.

"We are working to restore them, to launch as much generation as possible before the heating season. We are working to protect what has been restored and what has been preserved," said Shmyhal.

He noted that work is also underway to increase electricity imports from the EU. "We have a physical capacity of 2.2 GW, while we are still politically allowed to import 1.7 GW. We are negotiating at all levels and with the European Commission to ensure that the ability to import is opened to the maximum," the Prime Minister said.

He noted that the development of decentralised electricity generation is also underway, in particular, equipment that can generate electricity and heat is being imported: cogeneration units, gas turbines, generators, diesel generators.

"We have reached an agreement with Japan - 150 gigawatt generators are being supplied by Japan. We are working with other partners," said Shmyhal.

He also reminded that international partners have created the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine, which has already accumulated EUR 500 million.

"We are ready to use these funds for communities and engage communities to install as much of this decentralised small equipment that is difficult for Russians to destroy, which will allow us to survive," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of economical use of electricity.

As reported, the government has issued a decree to reduce electricity consumption for all public authorities, including the refusal to use air conditioning and outdoor lighting in buildings.