Ukraine plans today to double electricity imports after powerful Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, the minister announced of Energy Herman Halushchenko, quoted by Reuters, writes BTA.
Imports are expected to increase to 16,699 megawatt-hours, compared to 7,600 imported yesterday, the ministry said in a message on its “Telegram” channel.
The planned import is close to the record of 18,659 megawatt-hours that was recorded in late March after the first wave of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian power grid.
The state company “Ukrhydroenergo“ reported earlier today that two hydroelectric power plants were significantly damaged and disabled by Russian bombing this week.
Before the Russian invasion, ten hydroelectric plants were operating in Ukraine, producing about 10 percent of Ukraine's electricity.
Last year, Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, and with the latest attacks, only seven plants remain in operation at significantly reduced capacity.
Ukrainian authorities have reported that the country has also lost 80 percent of its thermal power plant capacity, and Ukraine now relies primarily on its three nuclear power plants, which produce about 60 percent of the country's electricity.
Energy production from thermal and hydroelectric plants is necessary to keep supply and demand levels balanced during morning and evening peak hours.
"Today, at the request of Ukraine, emergency supplies of electricity from Poland, Romania and Slovakia have already been carried out," the ministry said.
Extraordinary assistance will also be provided during the evening peak hours of electricity consumption, the department notes.
In a separate statement, the operator of the Ukrainian electricity transmission network "Ukrenergo" said it expects significant power shortages for most of the day.