S&P Global: DTEK power stations face long rebuild after russian strikes

S&P Global has reported on the massive damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure from russia's large-scale attacks last week and the daunting task of restoring power stations to full operation.

In comments to S&P Global on March 28th, DTEK`s Executive Director Dmytro Sakharuk detailed the severe damage two of DTEK's thermal power plants sustained in the russian missile barrage on March 22nd. That attack involved 150 missiles and drones used against Ukraine's energy facilities.

"The two DTEK power stations were significantly damaged. We've lost 50% of our total available capacity," Sakharuk told S&P Global.

He estimated it could take 9 to 12 months or more to fully restore the most heavily damaged units.

Mr.Sakharuk said replacing critical equipment like turbines, generators, and control systems at the plants would cost upwards of $200 million. DTEK had already invested $110 million last winter repairing units hit in previous russian attacks, some of which were struck again on March 22nd.

However, Dmytro Sakharuk stressed that repairing the plants will be futile without improved Ukrainian air defences to protect them from future russian missile attacks.

"If we don't have sufficient air defence, they again will be destroyed. It will be very easy for russia to launch missiles and get a very good result," he warned.

The situation has only grown more severe as fresh russian strikes overnight have inflicted further damage on equipment at three DTEK power plants. These repeated attacks underscore the critical need for Ukraine to receive robust air defence systems and emergency energy equipment from its allies as soon as possible.

Read the full story on S&P Global’s website.