The protection of strategic energy facilities is one of the priorities in preparing for the heating season. The work is serious and systematic. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Government meeting on September 12.
"We are implementing projects that no one else in the world has ever done. We install and repair in weeks what would otherwise take months or even years," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the state continued to gear up the power system for the autumn-winter period. As of today, he said, the preparations are entering their final stage.
"Nuclear power plants. Seven nuclear power units have been repaired, and two more will be commissioned before the start of the heating season. Their total capacity will be 7.8 GW. We are making an important step towards energy independence - new nuclear fuel from Westinghouse has been loaded at Rivne NPP to replace the russian monopoly on such fuel. Europe, together with Ukraine, must remove russia from this market to get rid of the energy threat," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Denys Shmyhal noted, the Ministry of Energy had committed itself to launching 25 units of thermal power plants by the beginning of the season, providing the power system with 4.5 GW of capacity. Almost 80% of the equipment at thermal power plants has been repaired. Intensive repairs are underway and will be completed on time. In addition, 35 hydroelectric power units with a capacity of almost 2.3 GW have been either repaired or are under repair.
"According to the Ministry of Energy, a total of 804 MW of the planned additional 1.7 GW of capacity has already been added to the system," said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister, 15,200 boiler houses, about 84% of heating networks, 78% of central heating stations, more than 80% of residential buildings, 86% of schools, kindergartens and hospitals are ready for winter. It should be 100% in a month.
The Head of Government emphasized that local budgets had sufficient funds to complete all preparatory work for the onset of cold weather: "Where it is necessary, we should accelerate the work in order to turn on the heat in time."