Ukraine loses 8 GW of energy capacity in recent months - PM

MOSCOW. April 18 (Interfax) - Ukraine's energy sector has lost about 8 GW of capacity in recent months or nearly half of the estimated 18-19 GW it entered the heating season with, Ukrainian media reported Prime Minister Denis Shmygal as saying.

In recent months the energy sector has suffered huge losses, more than 6 GW of capacity, and there is a risk of greater losses, as last week it lost another 2 GW, Shmygal said at the U.S.-Ukrainian Partnership Forum in Washington on Wednesday.

This is why the reconstruction of energy infrastructure will be a priority in Ukraine's restoration, he said.

However, the country has already restored a great deal and can recover even more if reconstruction is accompanied by modernization and updates, Shmygal said. In its recovery efforts, Ukraine is aiming for a more decentralized energy system with a higher share of renewable energy sources, he said.

Shmygal expressed confidence that Ukraine's restoration will be a major international project, and that the country is creating all the necessary conditions for this, including implementing reforms that will create a favorable investment climate.

Ukraine's energy system had more than 50 GW of installed capacity at the beginning of 2022, but as of May 2023 state power company Ukrenergo estimated its losses at 27 GW.