Key Highlights:
Underground Hydro-storage Power Plant:
- Objective: Protect critical infrastructure from potential enemy attacks.
- Plans: Construction of the Kanivska HPP underground to ensure its security.
- Official Statement: Ihor Syrota, General Director of Ukrhydroenergo, emphasized the necessity for underground construction to protect against threats.
Importance of Hydroaccumulating Stations:
- Functions:
- Consume excess electricity and feed it back into the grid.
- Play a crucial role in covering peak loads, regulating frequency and power, and providing a mobile emergency reserve.
- Current Share: Hydro generation accounts for 10-11% of Ukraine’s total energy system, according to Ukrenergo.
- Functions:
About Kanivska HPP:
- Location: Situated on the Dnipro River in Kaniv, Cherkasy Oblast.
- History:
- Construction Began: 1986.
- Construction Halted: 1991.
- Project Update: 2006, with preparatory work starting in 2018.
- Resettlement: Began in 2023 from the construction zone.
- Project Adjustments:
- In July 2024, the project underwent changes to include the relocation of hydraulic units underground for enhanced security.
Significance of the Project:
- Critical Infrastructure Security: The underground design aims to protect essential infrastructure from enemy attacks, addressing the unique challenges faced by Ukraine’s energy system.
- Strategic Energy Management: By enhancing hydro-storage capabilities, Ukraine aims to stabilize its energy supply, particularly during peak demand and emergencies.
Conclusion:
Ukraine's initiative to construct an underground hydro-storage power plant underscores its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure while optimizing its energy system. The Kanivska HPP project represents a strategic move towards a more secure and resilient energy future for the nation.
