Ukraine’s DTEK commits to new energy system but warns of attacks
Energy producer DTEK recommits to building a new energy system for Ukraine despite the ongoing war but is urging allies to help protect the country’s existing infrastructure as russia exploits Ukraine’s dwindling stocks of air-defence ammunition.
On the eve of the second anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion, CEO Maxim Timchenko said DTEK was 100% committed to providing Ukrainians with the energy they needed today and to build new energy facilities that would generate resilient power tomorrow.
DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said: “We are doing everything possible to provide Ukrainians with electricity and build new energy facilities, even in the face of regular attacks on the energy system. We believe in our victory and are doing everything in our power to bring it closer."
DTEK is Ukraine’s largest private energy company. War has accelerated the company’s development of renewable power across Ukraine, partly because windfarms have proved to be harder targets than conventional power stations. DTEK opened the 114 MW Tyligulska Wind Power Plant last spring and is working with Denmark’s Vestas to more than quadruple its capacity over the next two years. Its €450 million cost makes it the largest private energy investment in Ukraine since independence.
DTEK has also unveiled plans to build what would become the country’s largest windfarm (a 650 MW project in Poltava, south of Kyiv) a major grids modernisation project for the region around Kyiv and a utility-scale battery storage project to support renewable generation.
Threat continues
Today however, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is again in danger as russia steps up attacks against air defences that are low on ammunition. russia is also evolving its tactics by increasingly using swarms of drones rather than single missiles to overwhelm defences.
DTEK joins the Ukrainian Government in urging the US and allies to urgently unlock military aid to Ukraine and protect not only the country’s territory but also the energy system on which millions of people and businesses depend.
Maxim Timchenko added: "Despite early successes against russia this winter, today we face renewed danger. DTEK is doing everything it can to protect assets, however the ultimate defence lies in robust air-defence systems. We urge our international partners to help us in resisting russia’s aggression against civilian targets."
A heavy toll
Over the past two years, DTEK has suffered over 9,700 attacks on its infrastructure, including almost 160 against its thermal power plants. Intensive repairs through the spring, summer and autumn of 2023 saw the restoration of 10 massive thermal power units. Repair crews have also restored 17,000 km of power lines since over the past two years.
Although DTEK saw less damage to its infrastructure in the early part of this winter (compared to winter 2022/23), since the start of this year russia has escalated the number and severity of bombardments. Compounding Ukraine’s shortage of air defence ammunition, russian drones are becoming more accurate and harder to hit:
- DTEK facilities (grids and power stations) have already been attacked 150 times in 2024
- Over one million households and businesses have suffered blackouts in DTEK areas
- One thermal power plant* near the frontline has been attacked over 30 times this winter and remains badly damaged
- On February 22, a russian attack injured nine power engineers at a power station
- Last week, a DTEK power plant in the east of the country was badly damaged after being hit in a six-drone assault. None were intercepted by defence systems
- Teams from DTEK Grids are continuously venturing into danger zones near the fighting to repair lines – sometimes restoring the same stretch up to three times a week.
Resilience endures
Despite russia’s efforts, Ukraine’s energy workers continue to show incredible courage and determination to maintain uninterrupted power. Tragically, 252 DTEK staff have paid the ultimate price for that commitment while serving in the military, on the energy frontline or off duty.
"Today, around the 10th anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine, and on the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, I want to honour the memory of energy heroes and thank them for the fact that, despite all the difficulties and dangers, they continue to work to provide our country and citizens with light and warmth," said Mr Timchenko.
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