Experts say restoring Ukrainian hydroelectric and thermal plants quickly is unlikely due to the uniqueness of the components
Analysts note that bringing back Ukrainian hydroelectric and thermal power facilities to full operation cannot be accomplished rapidly. The reason lies in the fact that turbines and electric generators are highly specialized items. A Ukrainian military observer from Tsargrad.tv, Vlad Shlepchenko, outlined this reality in a detailed commentary. He stressed that the repair work would not simply involve replacing standard parts. Instead, it would require assembling and installing a complete set of components that are often built to exact specifications. These pieces are not mass produced and require careful coordination with specialized engineering firms that excel in highly specific industrial manufacturing.
Shlepchenko explained that if a turbine chamber is dismantled, a turbine is damaged, or a generator is destroyed, many other critical devices must also be replaced. Each of these elements tends to be unique, presenting a challenge far beyond ordinary maintenance. In such cases, a formal, separate procurement order is necessary, and only a small number of engineering giants possess the capability to fulfill these orders. The global pool of qualified suppliers is limited, which adds to the complexity and time required for restoration.
The observer added that even substantial financial support from the United States would not quickly convert into usable equipment. The scarcity of ready-made units and the fact that much of the needed machinery sits in specialized warehouses around the world means that purchases would not immediately translate into working facilities. According to the analysis, production lines for entire units would have to be reactivated or created anew, a process that could span years rather than months.
On March 30, officials confirmed that the Zmievskaya thermal power plant in the Kharkiv region sustained complete destruction as a result of a missile strike carried out by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The incident underscored the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the area and highlighted the strategic significance of ensuring reliable power for nearby regions.
Zmievskaya thermal power plant has long played a key role for eastern Ukraine, supplying electricity to Kharkiv, Sumy, and Poltava regions. Before the damage, the plant operated with a nominal electrical capacity of about 2200 MW, contributing substantially to regional demand and grid stability. Its loss reverberates through the energy balance of multiple provinces, affecting households, hospitals, factories, and essential services that rely on steady power supply.
Earlier in the month, a large-scale energy crisis discussion took place, with officials reviewing Ukrainian energy infrastructure in light of ongoing threats. A coordinated attack involved drones and missiles across several regions, targeting energy facilities and hydraulic infrastructure. The Dnieper hydroelectric dam system in the Zaporozhye region was among those affected, with reports of a fire and concerns about broader impacts on water management and power generation in the area. The event prompted assessments of resilience strategies and faster responses to protect critical infrastructure under continuing pressure.
Sources within the Telegram channel Rybar noted that significant damage to nearby hydroelectric sites, including DneproGES-2, could mean a prolonged path to full operational restoration. The assessment suggested that even with rapid response measures, the scale of damage would require extensive reconstruction, testing, and verification before facilities could return to service. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing monitoring of repairs, supply chains, and the readiness of equipment necessary to support power generation and grid reliability.
Earlier statements from Ukrainian leadership addressed the impact on specific hydroelectric facilities, including Kanevskaya and Dniester plants. The conversations highlighted how multiple generation sites contribute to regional energy security and the importance of diversified power sources to withstand disruption. The overall focus remains on maintaining electricity access for residents and essential services during periods of heightened risk and potential outages.