Kyiv has about 700 generators, but backup power for large utility facilities is insufficient - KMDA
In Kyiv, about 700 generators have been installed at heat and water supply facilities, allowing individual utility systems to operate during power outages. However, this equipment is not enough for backup power supply to large facilities. The capital continues to build more powerful diesel power plants and cogeneration units, some of which are planned to be launched by the end of the year.
This was announced on October 9 during a briefing by Petro Panteleev, Acting First Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration.
According to him, about 700 generators have already been installed at boiler houses, heating points, pumping stations, and other city infrastructure facilities.
In particular, 155 boreholes are provided with autonomous power supply. In case of disruptions in centralized water supply, they can become an additional source of drinking water for the capital's residents.
At the same time, the capabilities of ordinary generators are limited. They allow supporting the operation of individual equipment but are not always able to meet the needs of large heat and water supply facilities.
Separate power plants are being built for large facilities
Panteleev explained that backup power supply for the main capacities of utility systems requires the construction of diesel power plants and cogeneration units.
Cogeneration units allow simultaneous production of electricity and thermal energy, which is especially important for ensuring the city's operation during prolonged power outages.
Such capacities can provide power supply to critical equipment and reduce the dependence of utility enterprises on the centralized power grid.
According to the KMDA, some projects for backup generation construction under the Kyiv Energy Resilience Plan have already been implemented and are operating.
The city authorities plan to complete the remaining facilities by the end of 2026.
At the same time, Panteleev did not provide updated data on the number of already commissioned stations and their total capacity.
The state unblocked payments for individual projects
On the same day, the KMDA reported the resumption of state payments for part of the capital's Energy Resilience Plan projects.
According to the city administration, the preliminary blocking of payments negatively affected the pace of implementation of infrastructure projects that were planned to be completed by the end of the year.
This concerns the construction of backup heat supply facilities, cogeneration stations, and uninterrupted power supply systems for water supply infrastructure.
The KMDA stated that some works were suspended at the stage of active implementation, particularly during the organization of equipment supplies that are manufactured abroad on pre-orders.
The city authorities called the resumption of payments an important step for continuing the works. At the same time, the statement does not specify the amount of unblocked funds or clarify which facilities received funding.
The plan provides for backup heat and power supply
According to the KMDA, for 2026 the Kyiv Energy Resilience Plan envisages the creation of 1600 MW of backup heat supply capacity and 40 MW of backup power supply for water supply facilities.
These indicators refer to different types of capacity: backup heat production and electric power supply for water supply systems.
The program covers dozens of facilities and should reduce the risk of large-scale disruptions of utility services in case of damage to energy infrastructure.
Previously, the capital has already started purchasing equipment for autonomous operation of pumping stations and other critical facilities.
In particular, "Kyivvodokanal" has planned purchases of backup power for pumping stations worth hundreds of millions of hryvnias. Some projects involve the installation of powerful diesel generators.
At the same time, the availability of backup power sources does not guarantee complete uninterrupted operation of all utility systems during large-scale attacks. The possibility of their use depends on equipment capacity, network condition, fuel supply, and the nature of damage.
Kyiv's preparation for winter has become a subject of dispute with the central authorities
The new statements from the KMDA come amid criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the capital's implementation of measures to prepare for the heating season.
On October 9, Zelenskyy said that during a meeting with officials they identified additional tasks for Kyiv due to, as he assessed, almost complete non-fulfillment by the city authorities of necessary steps.
At the same time, Kyiv authorities previously stated that the implementation of some projects depends on state co-financing and timely approval of payments.
Thus, the central and city authorities publicly express different assessments of the reasons for delays in implementing the Energy Resilience Plan. The unblocking of some payments announced by the KMDA does not allow determining to what extent this will affect the completion deadlines of all planned works.
The issue of backup power for utility infrastructure has gained particular urgency after new Russian attacks on the energy system on October 8-9, which caused power outages in the capital and disruptions in some city systems.
Based on materials from: KMDA - briefing by Petro Panteleev, Volodymyr Zelenskyy
