Ukrainian energy crews work through winter to restore bombed grid

Workers at thermal power plants across Ukraine are desperately trying to repair infrastructure damaged by Russian airstrikes while winter sets in and temperatures plummet.

The head of the production department at one plant, which has not been named due to security concerns, revealed how melted snow has been trickling through holes in the roof, onto floors covered in ice.

He said the air of his plant is thick with the smell of burnt metal and scorched concrete—a reminder of the Russian missile strikes that targeted the facility weeks earlier.

Oleksandr, who did not wish to reveal his full name, said “Workers at a thermal power plant that’s supposed to produce electricity are walking on frozen floors and using firewood to keep warm.”

While most workers must take shelter during air alerts, some are required to remain on-site in the control rooms to ensure operations continue.

Dmytro, 41, a power unit operator at the plant, described the tense atmosphere: “You have to sit and wait while monitoring the trajectories of whatever was fired, but the power units keep working so we cannot just leave, we stay in the control room.”

How Have Russian Missiles Damaged Ukraine’s Power Infrastructure?

Comments from personnel such as Dmytro and Oleksandr highlight the challenges faced by energy workers while Ukraine’s power infrastructure continues to bear the brunt of Moscow’s relentless air campaign.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine’s energy grid has been repeatedly targeted, leaving millions without power and plunging much of the country into darkness.

A strike on Thursday saw nearly 200 Russian drones and missiles fired at Ukrainian infrastructure, cutting power to more than a million people, according to Ukrainian officials.

Why is it Difficult to Repair Ukraine’s Power Plants?

Energy company DTEK, which operated 20 of Ukraine’s electricity production plants before the war, has seen its capacity reduced to just 12 percent.

Nearly 90 percent of DTEK’s infrastructure has either been destroyed or severely damaged in Russian attacks. It total, DTEK reported nearly 200 attacks on its facilities since 2022.

Some DTEK plants have been unable to return to full capacity since they were first struck in November 2022.

Repair efforts have been slow and complicated by the destruction of critical Soviet-era equipment, which is now difficult to replace.

In response, since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the G7 and other Western nations have pledged more than $4 billion in energy assistance to Ukraine.

What Risks Are Ukrainian Power Plant Workers Facing?

Earlier this week, the U.S. and European Commission announced another $112 million to help DTEK prepare for the winter.

However, Oleksandr said finding replacement parts is an ongoing struggle.

“Potentially, Western countries could help us with equipment,” he said, “but their power grids have different characteristics. It’s not as simple as just sending what we need.”

As the war enters its third year, energy workers at DTEK’s plants have become vital to ensuring electricity and heating continue to reach their communities throughout the harsh winter months, often putting their lives at risk in the process.

This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press