Ukraine’s Energy Sector Battles to Maintain Power Amid Russian Attacks

Within a thermal power station, amidst extensive damage characterized by massive piles of contorted metal, solidified oil slicks, and shrapnel-scarred walls, an unexpected sight is observed: snow patches. As another Ukrainian winter approaches, the expansive turbine hall is bustling with activity. Engineers, appearing small against the immense scale of the location, are engaged in repairing salvageable components and removing irreparable ones, following a recent Russian air strike that impacted this facility. For security considerations, the specific location and date of the visit cannot be disclosed. Similarly, the extent of the damage or whether the plant remains operational cannot be detailed. Information suggests Russia meticulously gathers all available data to formulate its subsequent target lists. On Thursday, Moscow conducted its second large-scale assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure within a span of under two weeks. This year, a total of ten such attacks have imposed a substantial strain on the nation’s entire energy system. Prior to the first attack of this month, which occurred on 17 November, Ukraine had already experienced a 9GW reduction in its generation capacity. This figure represents approximately half of the electricity consumed during the peak heating season of the previous winter. We have been instructed not to disclose whether the plant visited was among the recent targets on Thursday. Nevertheless, similar to other facilities nationwide, this decades-old installation has sustained multiple drone and missile strikes since Vladimir Putin commenced his full-scale invasion in February 2022. Indications of Russia’s destructive intentions are widespread. Within a section of the turbine hall, directly beneath a significant roof aperture, workers are observed warming their hands over a provisional brazier. Large sheets of plastic have been extended over the machinery to safeguard it from environmental exposure. “The conditions are tough,” states Oleksandr, whose identity has been partially withheld by agreement. He adds, “We don’t even have time to restore the main equipment, let alone the roof and walls. Everything gets destroyed again from one strike to the next.” Ukraine’s Western allies are endeavoring to provide assistance. On Monday, DTEK, which is Ukraine’s largest private energy company, announced the receipt of £89m ($113m) from the European Commission and the US government. This funding is designated to assist in restoring capacity and protecting essential equipment from snow, rain, and sub-zero temperatures. Nevertheless, it represents an immense struggle for the fatigued individuals charged with maintaining Ukraine’s electricity supply. Within the control room, which is separated from the turbine hall by a sandbag barrier, Dmytro is observed taking a respite. He states, “Some are defending the frontlines on the battlefield. We have our own energy front to defend.” However, while DTEK engineers contend with the nearly insurmountable challenge of staying ahead of Russia’s persistent assaults, the remainder of the country is engaged in the same activity it has pursued since the war’s commencement: adapting. As the third winter of the full-scale invasion approaches, urban streets are once more vibrant with the hum and roar of generators, both small and large. Although street lamps may be unlit, shops and restaurants are brightly illuminated. The cold winter air is permeated by the strong scent of diesel fumes. In multi-story residential buildings, where electricity outages render lifts inoperable and impede hot water delivery to higher floors, residents—already accustomed to keeping power banks and flashlights readily available—are beginning to implement innovative solutions. Some individuals have invested in battery and inverter systems for their residences, which activate immediately upon a power interruption. In a twenty-five storey building located in Kyiv’s Pozniaky neighbourhood, which accommodates approximately 700 residents, the inhabitants have collectively financed and installed a more substantial system in the basement. This system is sufficiently powerful to maintain the operation of a single lift and to pump hot water to the upper floors. For Nataliya Andriyko, who resides on the 19th floor with her husband and pets, this development is perceived as a significant advantage. “It’s a bizarre feeling,” she conveys while seated in a kitchen illuminated by a solitary battery-operated lamp. “It’s scary how happy I am just to have these basic needs. That I can take the dog downstairs in the lift rather than on foot in the dark. That I have water in the tap.” Following two challenging winters, Nataliya expresses considerable commendation for her fellow residents. “We have a great group of people,” she states. “People who are modern, who understand that something can be invented.” She concludes, “Together, we’re strong.” Managing power outages constitutes a national concern, with individuals routinely checking their phones for impending blackouts and combining resources to procure generators and solar panels. For the creators of the film “Zbory OSBB” (which approximately translates to “Meeting of the Homeowner’s Association”), this situation also presents a rich source for comedic material. The film, scheduled to premiere in early December, portrays a contentious assembly of residents engaged in disputes over the acquisition of a generator, coinciding with the approach of winter. “When you have more than 10 people and they need to find common ground, it’s always partly funny,” states Ivan Melashenko, the film’s writer and producer. He mentioned that some of the concepts originated from the animated discussions within his own apartment building’s group chat. “It’s always a nightmare, because everybody has their own opinion and it’s impossible to find a solution.” The central theme of the movie—the challenge of remaining warm as Ukraine’s severe winter commences—is not intrinsically comedic. “But when people are starting to have these clashes and conflicts, of course we have all the jokes you can imagine,” Ivan remarks. He asserts that audiences are not seeking escapism, as the war serves as an undeniable and pervasive backdrop, but rather they are searching for positive narratives. “It’s impossible to live in such dramatic and stressful conditions for three years without any positive emotions,” he states. “People need this.” Additional reporting was provided by Hanna Chornous. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.