DTEK thermal plant takes big hit from Russia with injuries reported
Image showing previous damage to power infrastructure. Image credit: DTEK
Ukrainian private energy company DTEK has released a statement confirming significant damage to a thermal power plant following Russian drone attacks on Thursday.
The attacks mark the 7th large-scale attack on DTEK’s infrastructure since 22 March 2024, when Russia launched its biggest offensive against Ukraine’s energy system since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
During this period, DTEK power plants have endured more than 180 strikes, resulting in 53 workers injured and three losing their lives.
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DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said: “Another attack on ordinary Ukrainians by Russia overnight: enemy missiles hit a DTEK power station already damaged in previous attacks. Three of our workers were injured. We urgently need to close our skies or Ukraine faces a serious crisis this winter. My plea to allies is to help us defend our energy system and rebuild in time.”
In 2023, in preparation for the 2023/2024 heating season, DTEK restored 10 power units after massive attacks (almost all of the restored facilities were severely damaged or destroyed again as a result of attacks in March-June 2024).
However, the continued bombing of Ukraine’s power system has caused rolling blackouts, putting pressure on authorities to fix the infrastructure before winter.
In 2024, DTEK invested almost UAH 4 billion ($98.5 million) to repair and restore thermal power plants affected by the massive attacks on the energy sector over the past three months. This is in line with last year’s investments. However, the company made it clear it can’t cope with such large-scale destruction on its own.
The recent attacks have once again highlighted the critical importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, providing decommissioned power plant equipment for repairs, and increasing electricity imports from Europe by 30-40%.
DTEK is currently assessing the level of damage and how long it will take to recover.
Originally published on Power Engineering International.
