Blackouts are possible in winter but only short-term – Ukraine’s Energy Minister

Russian winter attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities may cause large-scale damage to the power grid, but the power industry is preparing to restore it as soon as possible, says Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

Previously, Ukraine's state energy operator Ukrenergo reported the first mass strike on the country's energy infrastructure in six months in September.

We have no illusion that the enemy will not attack the power system. That is why the winter will be difficult. First of all, not in terms of energy, because the system – both generation and transmission mechanisms – is ready for winter. We have implemented protection projects that no other country in the world has ever implemented. We are preparing for attacks, the official emphasized.

The Ukrainian power sector is conducting training in case of shelling and massive power outages. However, it is currently difficult to predict the attacks' level, scale, and impact on the power system. The authorities will make decisions on an ad hoc basis.

Of course, if there are massive strikes, they will cause significant damage to the power system, and blackouts are possible. But we are preparing so that they have only a short-term character, and we can restore everything quickly.

Ukraine has enough capacity to consume its own electricity and export it. In September, Ukraine exported the most electricity in 2023. Further, the energy balance will be monitored.

As of August 13, the Ukrainian government said it had repaired 80% of the main power grids and high-voltage stations damaged by Russian attacks to their pre-war condition and that 62% of the planned repair work on power units had been completed at the country's thermal power stations.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal then announced that over 80% of heating networks, 78% of central heating stations, and more than 80% of residential buildings, 86% of schools, kindergartens, and hospitals were ready for winter, adding that "it should be 100% in a month."