Ukraine’s power system requires approximately 9.5 GW of new generating capacity in the coming years to ensure stable grid operations and offset the damage caused by Russia’s attacks, according to Volodymyr Zaichenko, CEO of NPC Ukrenergo, speaking at a meeting with business representatives, as cited by the company’s press service.
According to Zaichenko, the required additions span multiple types of generation — from highly flexible gas-fired capacity to green electricity. The key направления include:
- highly flexible gas generation (gas piston and gas turbine units);
- biofuel-fired thermal power plants;
- energy storage systems (ESS);
- renewable generation (solar, wind and other renewable sources).
Each region needs its own energy mix depending on geography and transmission capacity from nuclear power plants. Some areas have more solar and wind potential, while others are better suited for gas-based solutions, Zaichenko said.
The estimated cost of building this new generation exceeds €8bn, he stated. The funding is expected to come from both public investment and private capital.
Zaichenko stressed that effective cooperation between the government and businesses is key to accelerating the construction of new power plants where they are most needed.
Since the start of the full-scale war and intensified Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, a significant share of Ukraine’s power balance has been destroyed or disabled. According to Ukrainian officials, more than 8.5 GW of generating capacity — including thermal and hydropower plants — has been damaged since October 2025.
As a result, Ukraine has been forced to partially import electricity from Europe — up to approximately 1.9 GW during peak demand periods.
As an example of successful public-private cooperation in the energy sector, Zaichenko cited special auctions for ancillary services. These resulted in the commissioning of 464 MW of new highly flexible generation to help manage peak loads.
Earlier, Deputy Economy Minister Andrii Teliupa reported that more than 2 GW of new capacity had been built in Ukraine over the past two years, including through private investment and state incentive programmes.
The development of new generation capacity is not only a matter of energy security but also of economic stability. Following extensive destruction, Ukraine’s power system requires modernization of existing assets, prevention of seasonal peak disruptions, reduced dependence on electricity imports, and an increased share of renewable sources.
At the same time, strategic documents such as Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan 2025–2030 provide for long-term policy coordination in energy development, including generation modernization and infrastructure expansion.
Ukraine’s energy system is entering a phase of large-scale transformation: in the coming years the country will require approximately 9.5 GW of additional capacity, with investment in new generation potentially exceeding €8bn. The implementation of these plans will depend on coordination between state initiatives and the mobilisation of private capital.
