Following the dam’s restoration, attention has shifted to reviving the Kakhovskoye reservoir within a two-year horizon. Officials in the Kherson region, including Governor Vladimir Saldo, conveyed these timelines during discussions at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. The aim is to restart a major hydro infrastructure project with a careful, phased approach that minimizes further ecological and economic disruption. The region remains focused on ensuring that the restoration plan aligns with the needs of nearby communities and downstream users across Ukraine, Russia, and the broader Black Sea basin. The remarks reflect a strategic commitment to rapid assessment and decisive action, while recognizing the complexities of reconstructing a large-scale water management system in a conflict-affected area. (RIA News)
Saldo emphasized that a formal decision will be taken soon, acknowledging the reservoir as a critical piece of national infrastructure. He noted that while the water volume must be rebuilt, bringing the reservoir back to its full capacity will require a substantial period, potentially involving water management measures that stabilize inflow, storage, and discharge. In total, more than 17 cubic kilometers of water reportedly drained into the Black Sea in the days immediately following the dam’s failure, a loss that has triggered extensive ecological and economic review. The governor stressed that careful engineering and environmental safeguards will guide any reconstruction plan, with timelines designed to protect downstream ecosystems and communities. (RIA News)
The Kherson administration also suggested that repairing the dam at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station could be accomplished within a year, depending on funding, logistics, and the broader security situation. Such a repair would not only restore power generation but also help reestablish reliable water regulation for irrigation, municipal water supply, and flood control. This potential milestone would complement efforts to restore reservoir volumes and stabilize regional water resources, contributing to broader energy and water security objectives across the region. (RIA News)
Earlier public statements in the Kherson region indicated a clear set of deadlines for the restoration of the dam at Kakhovskaya HPP. The announced targets reflect a coordinated effort to reestablish critical infrastructure and support post-crisis recovery. Officials stressed that progress would be measured against tangible milestones, including dam integrity, reservoir fill rates, and the restoration of safe, reliable water flow for agricultural and urban users alike. (RIA News)
Looking ahead, authorities in Ukraine have signaled that movement along the DneproGES dam corridor remains a priority in the broader recovery plan. The focus is on restoring navigation routes, maintaining energy continuity, and ensuring that dam operations contribute to regional stability and resilience. The ongoing planning process is expected to integrate international best practices for dam safety, sediment management, and environmental monitoring, while balancing security concerns and humanitarian needs in the affected areas. (RIA News)