Nov 26, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Ukrenergo,
Ukraine’s energy operator, announced on Thursday that the Ukrainian electricity
grid is in a ‘difficult’ situation since Wednesday and has requested emergency
supplies from Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, according to AFP.
“Today, electricity consumption continues to rise, and the energy system is in deficit,” Ukrenergo reported in a Telegram post, according to AFP.
“The
situation remains difficult on Thursday, with a continuous electricity deficit,
Ukrenergo conveyed, adding that “repairs are underway in several thermal power
plant units.”
The energy
deficit is caused by increased consumption due to the cold weather, placing an
additional burden on power plants, explained the Ukrainian national operator.
Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in early October that Russia would attempt
to “destroy” his country’s electricity system this winter.
To counter
this threat, Kyiv is asking its Western allies for new air defense systems. On
Wednesday evening, Zelensky announced the creation of a “coalition for the
development of Ukraine’s air defense,” with France and Germany expected to be
the main contributors.
Ukrainian
officials said on November 8 that in the preceding weeks, Russia had attacked
Ukrainian energy infrastructure 60 times. These strikes coincide with the
approaching winter and dropping temperatures, leading to increased energy
consumption.
Ukraine
fears that Russia will launch a concerted campaign of attacks on the power grid
for the second winter of the war. Last winter, thousands of Russian drones and
missiles targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, causing widespread power outages.
Energy
Minister German Galushchenko, who visited the United States earlier this month,
stated that his government is discussing with Western partners how to navigate
the critical cold months. The West has increased air defense deliveries to
neutralize the threat.
“After each
new attack, the need for energy equipment increases, and therefore, assistance
from partners to the Ukrainian energy sector is crucial,” conveyed the
Ukrainian Ministry of Energy.
Romania
Journal
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