Half of Ukraine renewable energy capacity under threatened of destruction
The installed renewable energy capacity in Ukraine rose to 9.5 GW in the last 10 years. This significant achievement is now at risk of destruction.
Renewable energy facilities in Ukraine are at high risk of complete or partial destruction. According to the Ukrainian Renewable Energy Association, total investments in the Ukrainian renewable energy sector over the last ten years amount to USD 12 billion. 47% of renewable energy power plants' installed capacity is located in the regions where active hostilities are being fought. More than 3,970 MW of RE capacity is located in areas at imminent risk of total or partial destruction. In addition, more than 2,400 MW are located in areas bordering active hostilities where there is already high risk of destruction or some plants have already been destroyed.
Some RE power plants have already been shut down due to equipment damage or due to the destruction of power transmission lines.
Cases have been recorded of wind turbines, solar panels, electrical equipment of RES stations, power transmission lines, and substations being destroyed.
Apart from Renewables, Russia has already seized the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plants and destroyed power transmission lines, gas pipelines, fuel storage facilities other energy infrastructure objects.
Given the investment costs, restoring generation capacity, transmission lines and equipment, and compensation for the health and lives of Ukraine's renewable energy workers, the Ukrainian renewable energy sector will seek compensation from the Russian invaders in international courts.