Espreso. Global

The most effective defense against Russian missiles is air defense — Ukrainian energy company DTEK 

20 September, 2023 Wednesday
17:12

Ukraine has established a multi-tiered system of passive protection for its energy facilities. While effective, it can only provide protection if there is no direct impact

Dmytro Sakharuk, the Executive Director of DTEK, shared these insights during an interview with Forbes Ukraine.

According to Sakharuk, the most effective protection for energy facilities is provided by air defense systems. This is because substations are not designed to withstand missile or drone attacks. Nevertheless, energy companies have taken it upon themselves to protect their facilities by installing concrete barriers, anti-drone nets, and other measures. The Ministry of Reconstruction has also proposed a comprehensive program, as Ukraine anticipates potential future strikes from Russia.

These protective structures are designed to safeguard equipment in the event of a nearby explosion, shielding transformers and other components from debris. 

“Transformers, for instance, are essentially large barrels filled with 20-30 tons of oil, which can easily ignite but are extremely challenging to extinguish. By covering them with substantial barriers like bags, gabions, and blocks, the risk of oil ignition is significantly reduced,” explained Sakharuk.

This same principle applies to other equipment located at substations or stations. However, in the event of a direct impact from above, these protective measures become ineffective.

Sakharuk added, "If three or four rockets strike the same location, this protection won't be effective; in such cases, the rockets themselves need to be intercepted."

Regarding preparations for the winter season

On August 12, the Ministry of Energy reported that planned repairs at energy facilities in Ukraine are progressing as scheduled. However, the regions bordering Russia and frontline territories face the most significant challenges in preparing for the upcoming heating season.

On August 13, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Ukraine is implementing a multi-tiered protection plan for energy facilities.

On August 18, it was reported that protective structures are being constructed around Trypilska and Zmiivska Thermal Power Plants, both part of Centerenergo.

Read also:
  • News
2023, Sunday
10 December
21:13
Presidents Zelenskyy, Macron discuss France's next aid package
20:46
How Russia wages political war in Europe. Conversation with Anton Shekhovtsov
20:14
Russian troops shell Kherson residential building injuring civilian
19:54
Exclusive
Expecting change after Putin's death is naive - political analyst Fedorchuk
19:21
Zelenskyy meets with presidents of Uruguay, Paraguay and Ecuador in Argentina
18:52
OPINION
Why didn't the Russian army flee behind the Urals when they saw Leopards?
18:21
Russia deploys new corvettes to Black Sea, replacing destroyed Askold in Kerch - media
17:53
Netanyahu talks to Putin for second time since start of war against Hamas
17:25
In Melitopol, invading Russia forces prepare sham elections by bussing in supporters, jamming communications
16:59
Occupying Russian army reinforce positions, pull up reserves in southern frontline
16:36
Missile strike on Ukraine, December 7: UK intel suggests Russia is starting broader campaign on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
16:11
Exclusive
Map of fighting near Avdiivka
Russian forces launch assaults from three directions in attempt to encircle Ukrainian troops in Avdiivka sector
15:48
Russian troops cut ground attacks in Tavria direction, fall back on aviation
15:22
OPINION
Russia will go further
14:38
Sweden considers Gripen aircraft, tested by Ukrainian pilots, for Ukraine - Ihnat
14:16
Blackouts in Ukraine due to Russian attacks will be temporary - Ukraine's Energy Minister
14:15
We'll understand EU summit decision's significance later; right now, the focus is on weaponry
13:49
Russia uses decoy missiles in war of attrition on Ukrainian air defense – ISW
13:24
Hungarian truckers announce new blockade on Ukrainian border
12:53
Sweden's Chief of Defence General Micael Bydén visits Ukrainian artillery units
12:26
Russia loses 10 armored vehicles, 4 tanks, and 700 soldiers in one day of war in Ukraine – General Staff 
11:58
ISW: Russian forces escalate offensive to gain momentum ahead of presidential elections
11:30
Russian police raid Kherson region, searching for underground group
2023, Saturday
9 December
21:00
Ukrainian air defence shoots down Russian missile near Kryvyi Rih
20:39
Exclusive
Defence of Avdiivka's heights prevents other parts of frontline from falling apart - military expert Svitan
20:14
Ukrainian Defence Forces repel 40 Russian attacks in 6 directions - General Staff
19:49
Russia attacks Kupyansk, klling two women, injuring man
19:25
OPINION
European faith in Armed Forces and Ukraine plays cruel joke on Ukraine itself
19:01
Exclusive
Politician Feygin explains why West postpones arms supplies to Ukraine
18:39
Russia launches PSYOP on evacuation from Zaporizhzhia
18:14
Germany must be ready to support Ukraine more, Scholz says
17:49
Russian forces build up fortifications in southern Ukraine
17:24
No Russian chips found in Russian Kh-101 missile - Ukraine's General Staff
16:59
Exclusive
Putin's conditions for Ukraine: neutrality and rejection of NATO - Feygin
16:34
Russia to ban movement of cars with Ukrainian license plates in occupied territories
16:09
Exclusive
General Romanenko notes change in Russian tactics during air attacks on Ukraine
15:44
OPINION
Border blocking is operation against Ukraine and new Polish government
15:19
Ukraine is preparing developments for 2024 that will allow it to oust Russians from Crimea - Defense Minister
14:55
Russia doesn't reduce infantry activity at front, drops over 40 bombs on Donetsk region - brigadier general
14:35
Review
Russia tries to use same tactics near Avdiivka as it did near Bakhmut - military expert Zgurets
More news