Jan. 14, 2025, 10:01 p.m.
Kakhovka HPP can be replaced by solar panels and willow plantations
Цей матеріал також доступний українською46
Photo: Screenshot from Reuters video
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.
02 квітня 2025 р. 07:58
Russia's relentless shelling devastates Kherson region, 1 dead and dozens of settlements hit02 квітня 2025 р. 15:17
Mykolaiv Prosecutor Demands Return of 2 Hectares from Private Ownership30 березня 2025 р. 19:43
Russian Army Intensifies Attacks on Kherson Community: Over 2,500 Strikes in 202503 квітня 2025 р. 08:01
Russian Army Attacks 25 Settlements in Kherson, 4 Injured and 3 Dead31 березня 2025 р. 10:32
Major Repairs Begin on Kherson Apartment Building with ₴7.4M Budget28 березня 2025 р. 12:22
Kherson Region Plans ₴50.8M Housing Restoration Amid Controversy02 квітня 2025 р. 21:22
Major Repairs Start on Kherson Secondary School Shelter with ₴17.4M Budget28 березня 2025 р. 20:22
Kherson Residents Remain Resilient Amid Constant Shelling and Occupation31 березня 2025 р. 18:52
Odesa Shelling Causes 122 Tons of CO2 Emissions and Injures 4 on March 315 березня 2025 р. 12:02
Kherson Commission Assesses ₴225B Environmental Damage from Russian Aggression02 квітня 2025 р. 10:42
Corruption Allegations Surround Kherson Housing Reconstruction Contract Worth ₴204M31 березня 2025 р. 07:55
Russian Forces Shell Over 30 Settlements in Kherson, 11 Civilians Injured24 березня 2025 р. 21:07
Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve Devastated: 7,000 km² Burned, 20 Rare Animals Kidnapped01 квітня 2025 р. 08:32
Ukrainian Forces Target Russian Command Post in Kherson Region with Precision Strike