Donbasenergo switches on Sloviansk TPP after nine idling months

The only power unit of the Sloviansk thermal power plant (TPP) of Donbasenergo (DOEN UK) was switched on to a testing mode on March 26, after being idle for more than nine months, the company reported. According to the plan, the power plant will start suppling electricity for the Ukrainian energy system March 27.

In May-June 2014, Sloviansk TPP was in the epicenter of the fighting in Donbas. The station was damaged by artillery attacks in late June 2014, and has been under repair since early July, after its location was freed from pro-Russian terrorists. During that time, its single power unit (800 MW of installed capacity) was non-operational, but the TPP generated some power and heat by using a small turbine generator. The total contribution of the Sloviansk TPP into Donbasenergo’s power output was less than 5% in January-March 2015.

Alexander Paraschiy: The commissioning of the Sloviansk TPP is critically important for Donbasenergo to survive as a company. It will be the only asset of the company that generates cash, in the current circumstances. Its other power plant, Starobesheve TPP, is currently located in the occupied territory of Donbas, and it is not receiving payments from the Ukrainian wholesale market for its electricity.