In the autumn-winter period, Ukraine may face serious problems in the energy sector, including possible power outages from 12 to 20 hours a day. This information was announced by experts from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CDC), emphasizing the difficult situation with energy resources in the country.
Yuriy Korolchuk, an expert at the Institute of Energy Strategies, considers several possible scenarios for the development of the situation in the energy sector in the autumn-winter period, depending on the course of events.
The optimistic scenario assumes that 8-9 NPP units will operate stably and the winter will be mild, without severe frosts. In this case, about 3 GW (3,000 megawatts) of the 6 GW of damaged capacity could be restored, which would result in power outages for up to 12 hours a day.
The pessimistic scenario assumes the restoration of only about 2,000 megawatts of capacity, with 6-7 nuclear power units operating and a cold winter. In this case, the energy system could face a crisis.
In the worst-case scenario, if Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian energy, citizens will have to spend up to 20 hours a day without electricity and heating.
According to the forecast of Serhiy Nagornyak, a member of the Verkhovna Rada's energy committee, at temperatures of -10°C in winter, Ukrainians will likely have access to electricity for only 12−14 hours a day, and the remaining 10 hours will have to go without electricity.
The CPS also emphasized that significant hopes are placed on Western assistance. During an official visit to the United States, the Ukrainian delegation agreed with American government officials and business on a strategy for the rapid restoration and modernization of the Ukrainian energy system. In particular, the United States allocated an aid package to Ukraine worth $800 million to strengthen energy security.
