Power generation: Alarming coal shortage for Ukraine

Experts say Ukraine is short of 3 million tonnes of coal for winter season of 2014

KIEV: With the rich seams of coal in eastern Ukraine under rebel control and Russia cutting off supplies, the Kiev government faces the awkward prospect of turning to its enemies for help. As winter set in, the biggest fear in recent months was that Ukraine would run out of the natural gas that heats the country. A last minute deal with Russia averted that disaster. But now a new one is looming as coal shortages threaten to leave the country desperately short of electricity. Ukraine gets some 40% of its power from coal-fired plants, and has traditionally had a surplus of coal, producing some 86 million tonnes at last count in 2012. Official statistics shows the country needs a million tonnes of anthracite coal per month to feed its power stations. By November 24, only 1.8 million tonnes were left in the reserves. Experts say Ukraine is short some three million tonnes for the winter season.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2014.

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