Ukrenergo calls for alternative energy resources to be used amid gas shortage in Ukraine

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Ukraine should use alternative energy resources alongside natural gas to power its electricity generation equipment as the country faces natural gas shortages, Ukrenergo Supervisory Board member Yury Boiko said.

"The last few weeks showed that as we pursue our distributed generation concept, it is also necessary, beyond any doubt, to consider using at least two types of fuel at small power plants that will be built [...] We ought to be able to use a backup sort of fuel in them too," Ukrainian media quoted Boiko as saying at an Energy Club discussion on the development of Ukraine's energy sector.

Under the requirements for highly maneuverable power plants published on the Ukrenergo website, such facilities should be able to run both on primary and backup fuels, or an emergency type of fuel if need be. The first contest for the construction of such facilities with a total capacity of 700 MW is continuing. The application submission deadline expires at the end of the day on February 28.

According to Naftogaz Group CEO Roman Chumak, the gas supply situation in Ukraine is difficult but not critical, being fully under control. Naftogaz is importing gas in the amounts that are necessary to balance the system and supply all groups of consumers.

Energy Minister German Galushchenko, for his part, said in early February that Ukraine would have to import around 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas or possibly even more before the end of 2025.

In addition to its own funds, Naftogaz has available credit facilities, including a 200- million-euro one from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Galushchenko said. He did not rule out that Naftogaz could receive grants for gas purchases and gas itself as grants.