Ukraine Fast-Tracks Nuclear Unit to Alleviate Power Crises Amid Russian Aggression

Ukraine has reconnected a repaired nuclear power unit ahead of schedule to combat power shortages caused by Russian attacks on its energy system. The energy ministry highlights the critical impact on power stability, while additional electricity imports from Eastern Europe are expected to help alleviate the crisis.

Ukraine has connected a repaired unit at an unspecified nuclear power plant to the grid ahead of schedule, aiming to reduce power shortages caused by large-scale Russian attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, the energy ministry said on Wednesday. Ukraine has lost half its generating capacity as a result of Russian attacks on its power plants, leading to constant power shortages and mass blackouts in all regions.

The ministry said reconnecting the power unit would have "a significant impact on the stability of the power system and reduce the existing electricity shortage." It did not say at which nuclear power plant the repairs had taken place. The extra generation would allow power grid operators to keep all customers on until 6 p.m. Kyiv time, it said.

Ukraine operates nine nuclear reactors at three plants in territory it controls. Six other units at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, seized by Russia shortly after its invasion in 2022, are not in use. Ukraine also plans significant power imports from eastern European states on Wednesday, the ministry said.