Ukraine runs projects to protect energy facilities that no other country in the world has done before
The energy sector is the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in a statement at the Future of Ukrainian Energy Forum.
The participants of the event addressed key challenges and strategic prospects of the energy sector in Ukraine. The Prime Minister outlined six factors that ensure the stability of the industry.
"Today, Ukraine has a much larger number and capacity of air defence systems. Last year, there was no Patriot, NASAMS, IRIS-T, SAMP-T or many other systems. Our air defence system has become even more comprehensive and experienced. We continue to work on its development. By the winter, it will become even stronger, more capable and more effective," said Denys Shmyhal.
The second factor, according to the Prime Minister, is that russia has fewer missiles. He noted that the aggressor's ability to produce them was considerably weaker than the enemy would like.
"A large repair campaign has been carried out. And this is the third factor. We have 7 nuclear power units in operation today, and 2 more are completing the repair programme. TPP power units and hydroelectric power units will be in operation until the beginning of winter. As of today, we have also repaired more than 80% of the main power grids," the Head of Government noted.
The fourth factor is the protection of energy facilities. According to the Prime Minister, a multi-level protection system has been built: passive and active. According to him, Ukraine is implementing projects that no one in the world has ever done before. We continue to work on decentralising the power system.
The fifth factor is systematic cooperation with international partners. Denys Shmyhal thanked for quick decisions that strengthened the capacity and resilience of our country.
"Our partners have provided USD 2.3 billion to restore and protect the energy sector. We have also more than doubled the opportunity to import electricity from the EU: from 500 MW to 1200 MW," the Prime Minister said.
The sixth factor is a sufficient amount of energy resources. According to the Prime Minister, 157,000 metres of new wells were drilled in the first half of the year.
"We are increasing production. For the first time, as Naftogaz promised, we will get through the winter using our domestic gas. Ukrgasvydobuvannya's production has reached the three-year high. We are actively working on the development of the concept "Ukraine is the gas safe of Europe". I am convinced that today the 15 billion cubic metres of gas in our storage facilities will become a reliable basis for the heating season," said Denys Shmyhal.
The forum participants also discussed challenges and difficulties in the energy sector. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine from its partners, in particular in terms of supplying energy equipment.