Ukraine secures winter energy supplies, no power outages expected — Energy Minister

Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko announced this during a government meeting in parliament.

Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko stated that the country is preparing for a challenging heating season but has a government-approved action plan, including gas imports and storage. The winter preparation plan, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers as a confidential document, contains clear targets and figures, especially regarding gas reserves. According to the minister, these numbers are not disclosed publicly but can be presented at a closed session of the parliamentary energy committee.

Halushchenko confirmed that the gas supply situation is complicated due to large-scale Russian strikes on gas production facilities and storage sites. As a result, Ukraine has had to significantly increase gas imports. The minister said the minimum volume of imported gas planned for this year is no less than 4.6 billion cubic meters, of which 2.9 billion cubic meters have already been contracted and financially secured.

At the same time, he pointed out the repetition of an information campaign involving some of the same people as last year, with claims about an alleged upcoming gas shortage and inability to get through winter. Halushchenko categorically denied these accusations, assuring that the Ukrainian population will be provided with all necessary gas volumes. Moreover, if needed, gas will also be used for additional electricity generation.

The minister also reported that 2.6 million tons of coal have already been stockpiled. According to the accumulation and consumption schedules, this resource will be sufficient for the heating season. Regarding nuclear fuel, Halushchenko said there are adequate reserves and supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation of nuclear power during winter.

A key element of the winter energy balance will remain nuclear generation. During peak hours, it produces up to 60% of electricity. The maintenance campaign is planned so that throughout the heating season, nine power units will operate at full capacity, as in previous years.

Halushchenko paid special attention to the situation with thermal power generation, which has suffered systemic damage since last year. He said that from March 2024 to March 2025, about 10 gigawatts of capacity were destroyed or damaged. So far, 6 GW have been restored, and more are planned to return to operation by the end of the year. According to the minister, repair work has continued every day without pause.

Hydropower has also faced constant Russian attacks, resulting in significant losses. However, the minister assured that hydropower generation will be brought to its maximum possible capacity next heating season. Current calculations show no critical restrictions.

The minister emphasized the importance of developing additional, so-called distributed generation. These capacities have been installed since last year and, as shown by the previous heating season, helped reduce system load during peak hours. This, in turn, makes it easier to balance the system even during massive attacks. Additionally, at the end of last year, “energy security passports” were prepared, identifying specific locations for such generation, equipment types, and connection methods. The main goal is to ensure critical facilities have power even if the energy system’s integrity is partially compromised by attacks.

The minister stressed that the current energy system operates stably despite all challenges, and the state is prepared for the heating season, considering real threats and needs.

• Ukraine’s Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk discussed measures to enhance the security of nuclear facilities amid Russian aggression with a Norwegian delegation.