Oslo west ukraine life storage power station

Is Russia destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure?

Russia has stepped up its bombardment of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Here is a detailed and interactive map of the country’s power stations. Ukraine’s power supplies are being targeted by the Russian army, leaving much of the country with no heating throughout a cold winter. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images)

Does Ukraine need a long-term energy system?

More than ever, Ukraine needs support to transition towards a long-term energy system that is resilient, flexible and secure. The EU has the expertise, the ability and the will to help make that happen. Ukraine's energy systems have suffered significant damage since the full-scale invasion of 2022.

What happened to Ukraine's thermal power stations in September 2024?

Ukraine's thermal power stations – primarily coal-fired – have borne the brunt of the attacks. Despite heroic efforts to maintain operations, as of September 2024, the country had lost 80% of its thermal capacity due to Russian attacks. Its large nuclear energy sector, which contributes 55% of total generation, has been less affected.

Does Ukraine have a reliable energy supply in wartime?

Ukraine's experience demonstrates the immense challenge of ensuring a reliable energy supply in wartime. The same goes for the grid. Ukraine's extensive transmission infrastructure has suffered severe damage in the war, with capacity falling from 56 GW to an estimated 9 GW by the end of 2024.

How many people are left without electricity in Ukraine?

Another power supplier, Yasno, says Ukrainians are likely to face power cuts until March. Already, some six million people have been left without electricity, according to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. To clarify, this means millions are without adequate heating, just as temperatures fall below zero in many parts of Ukraine.

How has Ukraine's energy system changed since the invasion of 2022?

Ukraine's energy systems have suffered significant damage since the full-scale invasion of 2022. As of spring 2024, two thirds of the country’s dispatchable power generation capacity has fallen under occupation, been damaged or destroyed. This has been accompanied by a coordinated destruction of the grid network.