Modular combined heat and power plants provide additional stability to Ukraine's energy system and backup heat supply, although their installation is expensive and requires much time and investment. In the current conditions of power shortage, Ukraine does not have much choice, so using all possible generation methods is a necessary step.
Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programmes at Razumkov Centre, said this in an interview for the Ukrainian Radio. "We are now in a situation that we don't have much of a choice. That is, we have to pool all possible generation into the system, because with such a large deficit as we have in the system now — in winter it is expected to reach 15 GW, maybe even more — we have to deal with distributed generation and repair thermal generation capacities, despite their environmental pollution. Now we have nothing to choose from," said Omelchenko.
Importance of mini CHPPs
Mini CHPPs perform an important function in the power system, producing both electrical and thermal energy. This makes it possible to provide back-up heat supply in case of damage to large CHP plants, which is especially important during military operations. "We need to play it safe because anything can happen," Omelchenko emphasized. A mini CHPP can be easily moved to the place experiencing be the greatest shortage of thermal energy in winter.
At the moment, the expert noted, there is no capacity deficit in the energy system, thanks to the resumption of operation of two NPP power units after repairs. However, repairs go on, and hourly power outages may resume as early as next week. Omelchenko predicts that the duration of such outages will increase in July.
Plans and their implementation
In Kyiv, it is planned to install six mini CHPPs in sleeper neighbourhoods on the right and left banks of the Dnieper. This decision is not new and is also implemented in other cities, such as Kharkiv. However, it is important to know what capacity these mini CHPPs will have, because this will affect their efficiency.
Omelchenko emphasized that even additional 100–150 MW will not significantly change the situation in Kyiv. However, the overall increase in generation will have a positive effect on all regions.
Challenges and difficulties
Installation of a mini CHPP with a capacity of 3 to 30 MW takes at least 6–8 months. This process includes not only the procurement of equipment but also design, installation and engineering works, which requires significant funds. In addition, it is necessary to provide fuel for the power plant operation, which is expensive in Ukraine. This makes heat generation from natural gas not always profitable.
International assistance is important for the implementation of mini CHPP projects. Omelchenko says that a German delegation came to Razumkov Centre to study the possibility of helping Ukraine acquire small gas power plants. USAID is also active in this area, which is important in the current conditions. However, the process is not quick, as it requires much time and investment.
As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Ukrainian energy system will face deficit in the summer: Ukrainians have passed the lowest point of electricity consumption, so it will only increase in the future. The hardest time will come in July — in that month, the highest consumption is expected, while generation will decline.
