Kyiv’s central heating system is ready to be started. By the end of December, the city is expected to complete construction of a 1,600-megawatt backup heating system, which will operate if the central heating system is destroyed. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said this at an event organised by LB and EFI Group as part of the “New Country” project.
According to him, the work is so far proceeding as planned. However, construction of the system is facing constant challenges.
These include ongoing air attacks, as specialists have to remain in shelters, a lack of funding, time and human resources.
Klitschko noted that preparations for the upcoming heating season began immediately after the previous one ended.
“Kyiv is prepared for the heating season. Preparations cover many areas: electricity, gas, water and heat. Many components come together to form the overall picture. Kyiv’s key combined heat and power plants are 100% ready for the start of the heating season,” the mayor said.
He recalled that during last winter’s cold season, the combined heat and power plants were the enemy’s main targets.
“We do not rule out that this year there will again be a focus on destroying the city’s critical infrastructure in order to leave Kyiv residents without heating, water and electricity. A plan was drawn up to prepare a backup system in the event the central system is destroyed. The central heating system in Kyiv is ready; it can be started,” he said.
Klitschko noted that the central heating system was built over decades, while the backup system has to be built within a very tight timeframe — between heating seasons.