All 9 power units ready for winter after last NPP reactor completes repair

The state NPP operator Energoatom has thus completed the 2024 repair campaign and prepared all nine reactors located in Ukrainian-controlled territory for operation during the winter period.

The Energy Ministry added that the energy system remains balanced, but continuous Russian attacks complicate its operation. The restoration of damaged facilities and preparation for winter continue.

Situation in Ukraine's energy system

The then-CEO of NPC Ukrenergo, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, stated on Aug. 29 that an apocalyptic scenario such as a blackout this winter will not occur. Ukraine is much better prepared for the winter of 2024-2025 in terms of the Ukrenergo transport network than it was in 2022-2023.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted on Sept. 10 that the upcoming winter could be the most difficult. According to the Ministry of Energy, due to Russian attacks in 2024, Ukraine has lost more than 9 GW, which could have supplied electricity to four EU countries.

Politico reported that the winter could be a turning point for Ukraine in the energy war, as Russia targets key substations that supply Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported on Sept. 19 that the electricity deficit in Ukraine could lead to power outages this winter ranging from three to 18 hours per day. Minister of Energy German Halushchenko stated that Ukraine held talks with the UN and clarified that the organization lacks arguments for such calculations.