26 July 2025
(PHOTO: qazaqgreen.com)
The first fully underground energy system is planned to be implemented in Kherson region. It should ensure uninterrupted power supply to the region, which is constantly under fire from Russian troops.
This is evidenced by the data of the DREAM ecosystem for managing the recovery process.
The project envisages the construction of 22 new 35 kV substations completely buried underground in reinforced concrete capsules and protected from kamikaze drone strikes. As well as 620 km of cable lines. This way, the system will be maximally protected from artillery strikes and missile attacks. The project was initiated by the Department of Territorial Development of the Kherson Regional State Administration.
The new grid is expected to reduce the risk of destruction of energy facilities due to shelling by 90%. In addition, it will have a high level of reliability and controllability, as it involves the introduction of modern digital technologies.
The project involves two stages of technical implementation, including the construction of a network of 35 kV underground substations, laying more than 600 km of protected cable lines, and installing physical protection for 150 kV transformers. The engineering solution is based on reinforced concrete capsules, armored cables and modules with video surveillance and access control. The infrastructure will be fully automated, with redundant power supplies and intelligent protection systems, allowing it to function regardless of damage to individual sections.
At the first stage, 7 underground substations are to be built and 220 km of cables are to be laid, and at the second stage, another 15 substations and 400 km of lines are to be built. The project also provides for the implementation of a SCADA system for real-time monitoring.
The total cost of the project is UAH 12.4 billion. Funds are planned to be raised from the state and international partners. The estimated duration of the project is 6 months.
As the project organizers noted in the accompanying documents, this is the first example in Ukraine of creating an energy infrastructure completely buried underground. The decision was a response to the challenges of a full-scale war and constant shelling of critical infrastructure. Project implementation sites: Kherson TG, Velyko Oleksandrivska and Chornobaivska communities.
In addition, a new underground power plant is planned to be built on the territory of Kherson CHP. The cost of the project exceeds UAH 500 million, but funding has not yet been confirmed.
In addition, the village of Velyka Oleksandrivka plans to build an energy complex that will provide the community with heat and electricity. In the northeast of the village, land has already been allocated for construction: three cogeneration units, a biogas plant from a landfill, and cold storage facilities are to be installed there.
Анна Бальчінос