EU4Energy: Realising Ukraine’s hydropower potential

EU4Energy: Realising Ukraine’s hydropower potential anna.iovchu Thu, 11/28/2019 - 21:02

Brief Description

An EU project has undertaken a number of important measures that have helped Ukraine modernise its hydropower infrastructure.

Objectives

Why is this needed?

Hydropower accounts for just 8% of all electricity generated in Ukraine, while the average rate around the world is some 15%. And Ukraine’s Energy Strategy, adopted in August 2017, foresees the percentage of hydro energy rising to 13% by 2035.

Actions in brief

How did the project help?

The project experts helped Ukraine prepare a suitable investment programme for expanding the capacity of Kakhovka Hydro Power Plant (HPP). They also provided counsel on securing similar investments for a further six HPPs.

In addition, staff at national HPP company - Ukrhydroenergo - received training on procurement, design review, contract administration, engineering supervision and disbursement.

Meanwhile, the staff at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) received training on how to effectively monitor the project.

What results have been achieved?

Facilitated by increased capacity, the Kremenchuk HPP on the Dnieper River in Svitlovodsk was upgraded and has a capacity of 686 MW – a rise of 61MW. Meanwhile, all units of Dniprovska HPP 1 and 2 were reconstructed. 

As a result of works on the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, it now has 235 MW more capacity and this helps Ukraine’s power grid quickly respond in peak times.

The project is also upgrading the dam safety system and power cables of Kyiv hydroelectric pumped storage plant (HPSP), while hydro mechanical equipment and substations are being reconstructed at both Kaniv and Dniprodzerzhynsk HPPs.