Mykolaiv region prepared for possible blackouts due to enemy strikes

The energy system of Mykolaiv region may not be able to withstand new enemy attacks on critical infrastructure. The authorities are already preparing backup generators and an action plan to ensure that towns and villages remain supplied with electricity.

This was reported to Suspilne by the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

Today, Mykolaiv region has an energy base - nuclear, solar, wind and hydropower. However, even this may not be enough if Russian shelling seriously damages the country's energy system. The strikes on critical infrastructure have already partially cut off power to settlements in northern Ukraine.

The regional military administration explained whether the region is at risk of further blackouts. Mykolaiv region is part of the country's unified energy system and supplies electricity not only for its own needs but also for neighboring regions, including Kherson. In case of damage to production or transportation facilities, hourly blackouts or even temporary blackouts are possible.

The following capacities are currently operating in the region: nuclear generation - 3000 MW, solar - almost 600 MW, wind - about 300 MW, and hydroelectric power - 335 MW. Part of this energy is fed into the national grid.

In 2022, Mykolaiv region already experienced a large-scale blackout. At that time, the region introduced an energy security plan and later approved the Energy Sustainability Passport. The documents provide for algorithms of actions in case of destruction of substations, damage to NPC Ukrenergo or JSC Mykolaivoblenergo, as well as power supply schemes for critical infrastructure facilities. For the period of restoration of the power system, we plan to use distributed generation and backup generators to supply all social institutions and life support systems.

The region has 402 "Stability Points" with generators, heat and food supplies. The region is also actively installing low-capacity solar power plants: there are currently more than 1,700 of them with a total capacity of 41.8 MW. Another 20 condominiums in Mykolaiv have their own solar power plants with a total capacity of 365 kW.

Ukrainians have already gained some experience in surviving the difficult winter of 2022-2023. It is not easy to predict what the winter of 2023-2024 will be like, and it is a thankless task. However, experts advise preparing for the worst-case scenario, even if it does not materialize. Earlier, Intent told you how to keep warm, and now we explain how to act during possible long-term power outages.

Анна Бальчінос