Ukraine enforces power cuts due to generation shortfall amid Russian attacks and heatwave

Ukraine’s energy ministry and power grid operator Ukrenergo announced power cuts on 19 August due to a power generation shortfall caused by Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure and increased consumption driven by record hot weather.

Russian air strikes have caused blackouts in seven regions this year, forcing Kyiv to begin importing electricity from the European Union (EU). The situation has been exacerbated by ongoing heatwaves exceeding 30°C and repairs to key nuclear power units.

The Ukrainian Energy Ministry has urged consumers to conserve energy and limit the use of power-intensive appliances to stabilize the grid and ensure energy availability for critical infrastructure like hospitals. The scheduled power cuts will take place from 5 pm to 9 pm Kyiv time.

In response to these challenges, the EU approved a €100 million ($110 million) grant in July under the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF) to strengthen Ukraine’s electricity transmission network.  

Additionally, the Swedish Government provided a Skr650 million ($62 million) energy package to Ukraine in May as part of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. Ukrainian officials report that Russia’s attacks have resulted in the loss of nearly half of the country’s power production capacity. Efforts to diversify energy sources include Ukrnafta’s recent tenders for gas generator sets and a partnership between state-owned nuclear company Energoatom and French energy giant EDF.