Euronews: Ruined plants, energy heroes and dark hospitals: Ukraine’s fight for light as winter looms

“When we go to work, we are not sure if we will get back home." Euronews explores Ukraine's energy sector transformation and its fight to keep the lights on during wartime. The article, published Saturday 2^nd November, emphasises the country's commitment to renewable energy development while managing immediate winter challenges.

Jeff Oatham, DTEK's Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the strategic advantages of renewable energy in wartime conditions: "One missile can destroy a 250 megawatt thermal station. You'd need around the equivalent of 40 missiles to do the same damage to a wind farm, and that's simply down to the fact that they are dispersed across a larger land area."

The human cost of maintaining Ukraine's energy system was illustrated through the story of Oleg, a second-generation energy worker. "It is risky for our lives. When we go to work, we are not sure if we will get back home," he said, while expressing his belief in renewable energy as the future of Ukraine's energy sector.

The impact of energy infrastructure attacks was recently showcased at the 'Fight for Light' photography exhibition near the European Parliament in Brussels, organised by DTEK and the Mission of Ukraine to the EU. 

Photographer Serhiy Morgunov, whose works were featured at the exhibition, captured the reality of life in Ukraine: "Imagine your life without light, without the possibility to charge your devices, to preserve your food, to access the educational process, to make your tax reports, to feel safe on a dark street."

The exhibition displayed images of destroyed thermal power plants, resilient workers conducting repairs, and the everyday challenges faced by Ukrainians living with frequent power outages.

Read the full story on Euronews.