Ukraine is going to restore the destroyed Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant

Ukraine is going to rebuild the destroyed Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant after the complete de-occupation of Kherson region. At the same time, the possibility of building a new station with a higher capacity than the one that existed before is being considered.

Ihor Syrota, CEO of Ukrhydroenergo, spoke about the company's plans in an interview with Forbes. According to him, it is worth considering the possibility of building a plant with a capacity of 550 to 600 MW instead of the previous 335 MW.

The project of the new hydroelectric power plant envisages the construction of units that can operate both as generators and pumps. In addition, the plans include the construction of a fish passage, which was previously absent at the destroyed plant.

Currently, all plans related to the start of the reconstruction of Kakhovka HPP are based on the government's project, which was divided into two stages. The first stage involves developing a project for the construction of a temporary dam until the territory is completely liberated from the occupation forces. After de-occupation, work will begin on the site of the main dam.

The cost of building a new hydroelectric power plant is estimated at about $1 billion. According to Ihor Syrota, it will be easier to build the plant at the new location because of the unknown nature of the explosion's consequences, as part of the dam is still underwater and its current condition is unknown. It is estimated that the cost of building one kilowatt of hydroelectric power in Europe is about $2000. Thus, for a 550 to 600 MW plant, the total cost would be between $1 and $1.2 billion.

The restoration of Kakhovka HPP and the construction of a new plant is an important step towards ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine's energy sector and providing electricity to the population and industry.