Ukraine's gas storage facilities 80% full, power grid restoration 60% complete - PM

MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax) - Some 11.7 billion cubic meters of gas have already been pumped into Ukraine's underground storage facilities for the winter and 1.5 million tonnes of coal have been stockpiled, Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said.

"We are also preparing the thermal power industry for winter. Repairs of boiler houses and thermal power plants are on schedule. Some 11.7 bcm of gas have already been pumped into Ukrainian gas storage facilities. This is almost 80% of what we need. We have 1.5 million tonnes of coal stockpiled and plan to raise this to 1.8 million tonnes," Ukrainian media reported, quoting Shmygal at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

He urged the ministries of restoration and energy, as well as Ukrenergo and Naftogaz of Ukraine "to stay as focused as possible and to mobilize resources."

He also said Ukrenegro had completed around 60% of planned power grids restoration.

"The energy sector is the next rapid renewal priority. We continue the campaign to restore it. Since the beginning of the year, 14,500 kilometers of overhead lines, a number of substations and electrical equipment have been repaired. We are ensuring enhanced protection for energy facilities," Shmygal said.

He also said that the capacity of the Ukrainian energy system would be increased. "We ultimately plan to add 1.7 GW of capacity to the energy system. We have set this task for the Energy Ministry," Shmygal said.