Ukrainian telecom to expand industrial generator fleet to mitigate blackouts

Ukrainian telecommunications operator Kyivstar is planning to deploy an additional 848 industrial generators and 61,766 batteries to enable service continuity in the country during extended blackouts caused by attacks on energy infrastructure.

The plans were announced by Kyivstar parent company VEON, an Amsterdam-based global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and online services.

The power backup systems will be deployed throughout the country, including at critical facilities that require at least three days of generating capacity in the event of a comprehensive power outage.

Kyivstar, the largest telecommunications operator in the country, says in a release that from the outset of the war, resilience has been a major focus of their strategy to maintain crucial communication services and safeguard digital operations.

To date, the Ukrainian telecom company has deployed 2,322 generators and 115,000 four-hour duration batteries at base stations to provide backup power during blackouts.

Have you read:
DTEK boss channels spirit of Ukraine boxer Usyk to fight power plant bombings
DTEK and GE Vernova partner on restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure

Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar, commented in a release: “Energy resilience and preparedness against blackouts have been at the centre of our investment priorities since the end of 2022.

“Consistent and significant investment of over $24 million over the last two years has helped us improve energy resilience. However, the changing nature of threats to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and extended blackouts now necessitate a reinforcement in our strategy.

“This second wave of focus on energy resilience will enable Kyivstar to support critical connectivity with even further resources dedicated to energy resilience.”

VEON and Kyivstar, which was named Ukraine’s largest foreign investor in 2022 and 2023 by Forbes Ukraine, announced their commitment to invest $1 billion in Ukraine over a five-year period from 2023 to 2027 at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Belin that took place in June.

Kyivstar was also recognised at MWC 2024 with the GSMA’s Global Mobile Award for ‘Best Mobile Innovation Supporting Emergency or Humanitarian Situations’ for its Network Resilience Project that has overcome significant challenges to keep Ukraine connected through voice, data and digital services.