Ukraine's DTEK boss predicts adequate supplies without nuclear plant

In a media briefing Thursday 18 August, Ukrainian energy CEO Maxim Timchenko insisted that there would be enough electricity to meet demand this winter, even if generation from the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was not available.

While admitting that the loss of the 2000MW currently available from the plant would present a challenge and curtail lucrative power exports, Timchenko said there would be enough energy from other facilities to meet demand.

Such a contingency is being considered by Ukraine’s power system operator as concern grows that Moscow may cut off power in order to direct it to the occupied Crimea region.

The DTEK CEO acknowledged that the loss of 2000MW of generation would require more gas to be used and at some point power imports would be needed to maintain supplies.

The continued Russian occupation and militarisation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, Europe’s biggest, is causing increasing concern, with NATO calling for United Nations inspectors to be given access to the plant, claiming its seizure posed a serious threat to both Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

It was revealed that, since the invasion, some 30% of electricity capacity had been lost through destruction or occupation of industrial facilities, such as steel works in Mariupol.

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Timchenko reported a stable energy situation with 10.5GW of generation, allowing 250MW of power export to Slovakia and Romania and 200MW to Poland. “The revenues resulting from the wide spread of wholesale prices provide a great source of income to the government”, said Timchenko.

He said that in preparation for winter, coal stocks would be increased from the current 1.7m to 2.0 million tonnes, which would be enough for all thermal power plants to run at full capacity. Gas storage levels would be short of the desired 19 BCM but, at 15 BCM, would still allow Ukraine to be self-sufficient.

DTEK reported no further significant cybersecurity attacks since the occurrence reported last month. This incident was managed but has led to a strengthening of security systems and the creation of a new unit within the company, which is accelerating investment in IT security. “Because of the stronger systems and the fact that we successfully dealt with the attacks, we can feel more confident,” said Timchenko.

Most of the attempts to breach the DTEK system have been aimed at corporate centres and not at the production facilities.