After enduring a challenging winter marked by relentless attacks, Ukraine is actively working to restore its energy infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming season. Both the government and private companies are sourcing equipment and resources from Western nations to bolster their capabilities.
Key Developments:
- Russia launched 11 attacks on DTEK’s thermal power stations during the last autumn-winter period.
- The company has invested 31 billion UAH of its own funds into restoring generation and networks.
- DTEK plans to construct 1 GW of capacity and expand renewable energy sources to navigate the next winter.
- Equipment is expected from the Baltic states, along with funding through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Ukraine faced one of its most difficult winters in history, characterized by record power outages, constant assaults, and dwindling reserves. The energy system was pushed to its limits, with equipment stocks running low and repair crews stretched thin. The ongoing threat from adversaries continues to loom large.
Despite these challenges, preparations for the next autumn-winter period are already underway. The energy sector, particularly major players like DTEK, is not waiting for autumn to arrive; they are actively repairing damaged facilities, replenishing spare parts inventories, and seeking new funding and equipment from Europe.
In a recent interview, Alexey Povolotsky, head of DTEK’s Energy Infrastructure Recovery Department, discussed the recovery process, funding sources, and the company’s plans for new generation capacity.
– What are the current plans, and do we have an understanding of how many megawatts we need to restore before the next winter season?
– The energy system suffered significant damage during recent attacks. DTEK’s thermal stations were targeted 11 times from October 2025 to February 2026. I can say that we need not just megawatts but gigawatts of capacity.
We have a clear plan for what we can achieve and an understanding of how much we can finance ourselves, as well as how much we will need from donor assistance.
– Regarding specific regions where DTEK operates, what is the situation?
– We currently have five power plants in various regions of Ukraine. We have restoration plans for each of them.
There are no exceptions. We recognize that electricity is needed in the west, central, and eastern parts of Ukraine. The only questions are about the availability of equipment and whether there will be new attacks.
– Is it possible to replace damaged thermal generation with alternative sources?
– Absolutely. The strategy of both the state and our company is to build as much decentralized and green generation as possible.
Additionally, we are developing projects at various stages of readiness. We will construct over one gigawatt of capacity as DTEK.
I also know that the state has plans initiated by the President of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers. Special resilience and preparation plans for the next winter have been developed.
Co-generation will be built, and there will be incentives for private companies—small, medium, and large businesses—to create various generation elements to help us navigate the next winter more easily.
– Is the company currently receiving funds from foreign donors?
– Yes, we are collaborating with American partners. Previously, this was through USAID. Currently, it is through the SPARC project managed by the State Department. The main donor now is the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, which receives contributions from nearly all European governments.
Without donor funding for equipment, we would not be able to achieve the recovery volumes we are currently undertaking and plan to continue in 2026.
At the same time, the company is investing its own funds into repairs and restoration. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, we have invested 31 billion UAH in restoring thermal generation and networks.
– Minister of Energy Shmyhal recently mentioned that Ukraine will receive equipment from several European countries. What is planned?
– Indeed, since the start of the war, DTEK, along with the Ministry of Energy, has been reaching out to various countries. Unfortunately, Western European countries have a different class of equipment, which we cannot always utilize.
However, there are Eastern European and Baltic countries where we can use much of what they have. We have signed agreements for upcoming equipment deliveries from certain countries.
We are also in discussions with the ministry about potential visits to two countries we have yet to reach. We need to assess what equipment they have available, what can be donated, and what can be dismantled to assist in the recovery of Ukraine’s energy system.
Ukraine is ramping up efforts to restore its energy infrastructure ahead of winter, focusing on sourcing equipment and funding from international partners. DTEK, a major player in the sector, has outlined plans to enhance capacity and integrate more renewable energy sources as the country continues to face ongoing challenges from Russian attacks.