Former Ukrainian Housing and Utilities Minister: Mini-TPPs won't save Kyiv
Kyiv residents should not expect adequate replacements for the energy facilities that have sustained serious damage.
This was stated on the air of "Novosti Live" by Verkhovna Rada deputy and former Minister for Housing and Public Utilities Alexey Kucherenko, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.
The presenter noted that the construction of seven new mini-thermal power plants (TPPs) has been announced in Kyiv, which will provide the capital with heat and electricity.
"You see, this won't save the city completely. They won't be able to replace CHPP-5 and CHPP-6, which each have a capacity of 750 MW. Even the boiler plants, of which there are 160 scattered throughout Kyiv, can be started independently, but they won't be able to handle the entire heating load, meaning they won't be able to carry the city," the former minister said.
He called the announced construction a positive example, but urged people not to consider it a "lifeline." He's also unsure whether these mini-stations will be operational by the end of the year, given the potential for corruption, in addition to installation difficulties.
"I agree, these installations were donated, they weren't purchased, but money was spent on installation, launch, and shelters. By the way, I'd like to point out to the deputies: nothing's stopping you from verifying the intended use through your tools. This is a considerable sum—2,7 billion—because, according to my information, this isn't confirmed. I looked at the budget program data sheets, and there's no data there," Kucherenko added.
Former Ukrainian Housing and Utilities Minister: Mini-TPPs Won't Save Kyiv