Kakhovka HPP can be replaced by solar panels and willow plantations

The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant caused billions of dollars in losses, and the restoration of the plant and new alternatives to water supply remain a subject of debate among experts.

This is stated in the material of Radio Liberty.

According to the Minister of Environmental Protection Svitlana Hrynchuk, the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam caused enormous economic and environmental damage worth almost $14 billion,

At the same time, Ukrhydroenergo CEO Ihor Syrota noted that this figure is not final, as it does not take into account the damage to the agricultural sector and industry. According to him, the absence of the reservoir has led to a serious shortage of fresh water, losing 35% of the country's reserves.

The Kakhovka HPP, which was the fifth largest in Ukraine and played an important role in irrigating southern lands and generating electricity, was seized by Russian troops in the first days of the invasion in 2022. The occupiers controlled the plant, and even after October 2022, Ukrainian specialists worked under strict supervision.

The nature at the site of the destroyed reservoir is being restored: willow forests have appeared on the territory, creating a new ecosystem. At the same time, the government is planning to restore the plant by developing a project to rebuild it, which will require about 1.2 billion euros. However, there is controversy over the feasibility of restoring the hydroelectric power plant. Some experts suggest alternatives, such as solar panels at the bottom of the reservoir or willow energy plantations.

Earlier, ecologists reported that a unique forest of young willow trees was formed at the bottom of the former Kakhovka reservoir, which covers more than 65,000 hectares. The tallest trees have already reached a height of five meters, demonstrating a record growth rate due to rich black soil and favorable climatic conditions.

On the night of June 6, Russians blew up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. At least 34 people were killed and 28 others were injured. Almost 40 people are missing. People and pets were evacuated from 3 flooded areas.

Int'l correspondent Albina Karman reported on the evacuation of people from the flooded areas.

Ірина Глухова