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It will "take years" to restore the critically damaged Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) in Zaporizhzhya, following a massive Russian missile strike on March 22, Ukrhydroenergo CEO Ihor Syrota told Suspilne on March 25.
The full extent of the damage remains undetermined due to limited access to the plant's machine room. Ceilings and walls with crane beams have collapsed into the engine room, necessitating the dismantling of the upper portion to clear debris.
"It will take years, not days or months, to restore the plant, because more than six missiles hit the HPP-2 station, and the bridge and crane beams were damaged. So the damage is extensive," stated Syrota.
Ukrhydroenergo has coordinated with the Regional State Administration to bring in specialists from the State Emergency Service (SES) to address the aftermath.
While the dam itself remains intact, the plant is non-operational. There is no immediate risk of a dam breakthrough.
As of March 23, Ukraine has lost approximately 20% of its power grid's regulation capability due to the Russian strikes on the DHPP.
March 22 Russian Attack on Ukraine's Power Grid
On March 22, Russia executed the largest attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the onset of the full-scale invasion. The DHPP sustained its most severe attack since February 2022. Official reports from Ukrenergo, Ukrhydroenergo, and Ukrainian authorities confirm that Russian forces targeted the dam deliberately.
According to the Ukrainian government, the DHPP was struck at least eight times, targeting the power plant's support and crane beams. A subsequent fire broke out at the plant. In total, Russia launched at least 20 missiles at the city of Zaporizhzhya, where the dam is located.
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