Due to the ongoing Ukrainian energy sector crisis, DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private sector energy company, will suspend operations at 10 coal mines and additional processing facilities from April 20. This includes DTEK Pavlohradcoal and the Pavlohradska, Dobropil’s’ka, Kurahivs’ka processing plants.
Issues with domestic electricity demand has caused DTEK to suspend operations at five mines, DTEK Dobropilliacoal, DTEK Bilozerska mine and DTEK Zhovtneva CPP. The worsening situation, compounded by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, has led to DTEK’s decision to suspend work at DTEK Pavlohradcoal, three prep plants, the Pershotravenskyi machinery repair facility as well as the DTEK Research and Design Centre. As a result, around 18,700 employees across these operations will be furloughed from April 20.
The loss of thermal generation over the past six months equates to UAH 3.1 billion ($115 million). All the coal-fired power plants are currently operating with the minimum number of units, while using only half of the workforce. Additionally, an inventory of more than 2.9 million metric tons (mt) has accumulated at the power plants and mines. Work at approximately 30 coal mines has been suspended across the country and more than 40,000 people have been furloughed.
Retained employees will provide maintenance services, including mine ventilation, water pumping and production maintenance. This will allow DTEK to quickly resume work across its enterprises when the situation in the industry has improved.
