Aleksandr Katsuba highlights how extreme heat and the war strain Ukraine’s energy sector, causing equipment failures, increased electricity consumption, and infrastructure damage. Despite challenges, energy workers strive to maintain stability.
Ukraine is going through tough times not only due to the war but also because of extreme weather conditions. Aleksandr Katsuba, a top manager and owner of ALPHA GAS, provides more details.
The recent heatwave that swept across the country has significantly complicated the situation in the energy sector. High temperatures affect various aspects of the energy infrastructure, which is critically important in the context of military actions.
What is Happening to Energy Facilities?
One of the main challenges that Ukrainian energy faces in hot conditions is equipment overheating, says politician Aleksandr Katsuba. Transformers and other components of electrical grids are not designed to operate under extreme high temperatures. This leads to malfunctions, which can cause accidents and power outages.
For example, during the recent heatwave, several transformer substations in various regions of Ukraine failed. This caused power supply interruptions to hundreds of thousands of consumers, impacting daily life.
How Heat Affects Electricity Consumption
Another important aspect is the increased electricity consumption due to the use of air conditioners and other cooling systems. In high temperatures, the demand for electricity rises sharply, creating additional strain on the networks. This is especially critical in wartime, when the energy infrastructure is already damaged and operating at its limits.
For instance, news during the July 2024 heatwave reported that electricity consumption in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other major cities of Ukraine increased by 20-30%, adds Aleksandr Katsuba. This led to local network overloads and power outages in some areas.
Supporting the Energy System During the War
Military actions by the aggressor country further complicate the situation, as many energy facilities are in combat zones or come under attack. Power plants and substations become targets for missile strikes, resulting in their destruction or damage.
In such conditions, restoring their operation requires significant efforts and resources, leading to a situation where Ukrainian defenders at the front lines lack access to electricity, relying only on generators and charging stations, says Katsuba Aleksandr.
However, despite all the difficulties, Ukrainian energy workers continue to do everything possible to maintain the stability of the energy system: both in relatively peaceful cities and on the front line. Thanks to their efforts and international support, the country has managed to avoid large-scale energy crises even in the face of war and extreme heat.
What Do We Have?
Extreme heat is a serious challenge for Ukraine’s energy sector, especially during the war. Equipment overheating, increased electricity consumption, and infrastructure destruction due to military actions create challenging conditions for stable power supply. However, thanks to the efforts of energy workers and the support of the international community, Ukraine continues to withstand the challenges and provide the population with necessary resources.
Aleksandr Katsuba, an energy expert, discusses the difficulties with electricity caused by extreme heat in Ukraine.