Damage to Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam: an expert explains what to expect

Russia carried out a combined attack on Ukraine. According to the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, the aftermath of the enemy attack is being recorded in all districts of Kyiv region, with two energy facilities in the region suffering damage.

What Kyiv Regional Military Administration says

Head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, Ruslan Kravchenko, states that due to the morning attack by the Russians, access across the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam was restricted. He assured that traffic would be restored approximately by 4:00–5:00 p.m.

"I want to inform everyone that access across the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam will reopen around 4:00 p.m, if there are no additional air alarms and attacks. Right now, all services are dealing with the on-site elimination of the aftermath of this attack," Kravchenko said.

In response to a follow-up question, he confirmed that the dam had not suffer critical damage: "Everything is fine. Thanks to the air defense forces."

What experts say

According to Oleh Popenko, a housing and utilities expert, the Russians attacked exclusively Ukraine's energy system with missiles and Shahed drones.

"From this, we can conclude that the enemy's primary target was the energy sector. As I understand it, the Russians attacked not only our power distribution system, but also tried to hit our hydroelectric power stations," Popenko told TSN.ua.

He added that the effects of the missile strike will be felt.

"The consequences appear to be very serious and are likely to cause some power outages. This means that certain hours of power outages are ahead of us. Whether they will be long-term is hard to say at this point, as not all the information is available, making it difficult to predict," the expert noted.

Possible consequences of damage to the Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam

According to Oleh Popenko, damage to the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant could reduce the ability to maneuver within the power grid during peak loads, which might lead to hourly power outages in the near future.

"This could result in Kyiv residents being without power supply, as early as September, with outages lasting until the start of the heating season. It all depends on the severity of the damage," the expert emphasized.

No need to fear flooding

As for the threat of flooding in Kyiv, the expert dismissed such concerns: "Regarding the destruction of the dam itself, I don't think that Kyiv residents and visitors need to worry. The Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant Dam can withstand much greater impacts, and there is no threat to Kyiv and its surroundings," Oleh Popenko assured.

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