Ukraine`s largest private energy holding DTEK, controlled by Rinat Akhmetov, confirmed the purchase of 600,000 tonnes of deficit anthracite coal from South Africa with the option to increase it up to 1 million tonnes, according to the company`s press service.
The arrival of the first vessel loaded with 75,000 tonnes of anthracite is expected in June. The fuel is to be shipped to DTEK`s anthracite-fed thermal power plants, which will be put into operation to maintain the stability of the Ukrainian energy grid.
Thus, DTEK is beginning to form anthracite reserves at its TPPs in preparation for the 2017-2018 heating season.
The company reminds that operations of DETEK`s Kryvyi Rih and Prydniprovska TPPs are currently suspended, to accumulate anthracite stocks. The thermal power plants will be put into operation at the command of energy system operators of the United Energy Systems of Ukraine if it is required to cover the power shortage.
”Now the main burden falls on gas grade coal. DTEK does not have any problems with ensuring gas coal supplies. The company revised the plans for the operation of coal enterprises in 2017 to increase the production of gas coals in the Ukrainian-controlled area. Since April 1, some 500,000 tonnes of G-grade coal has been delivered to the warehouses of DTEK`s TPPs,” the report said.
As UNIAN reported, the issue of coal shipments to thermal power plants became critical after the launch of a trade blockade with the occupied areas in late January 2017 and the decision by the National Security and Defense Council of March 15, 2017 to halt cargo turnover with uncontrolled territories. Moreover, DTEK in mid-March lost control over its enterprises that operate in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
As a result of anthracite shortage, several TPPs halted their work in early April, namely Zmiivska TPP, Tripilska TPP, Prydniprovska TPP, and Kryvyi Rih TPP.
According to Ukrenergo, thermal generation provides 22.7% of the total electricity production in Ukraine.
