Ukrainian power plant workers risk their lives to keep the lights on

In Ukraine, a coal-fired thermal power plant has been facing severe challenges due to ongoing Russian attacks during the war that escalated in 2022. Deputy chief engineer Oleksandr, who has dedicated 27 years to the plant, reveals extensive damage inflicted by missile strikes, including burnt machinery and impaled structural elements. Under normal circumstances, minor issues like leaks caused immediate concern, yet the war has shifted the reality to dealing with catastrophic damage that goes beyond any previous nightmares. The emphasis on repairing such critical infrastructure has resulted in a consistent cycle of work and stress for the plant workers, who are now accustomed to emergency situations and geopolitical instability. Since the onset of the full-scale war, the energy sector has been systematically targeted by Russian forces, leading to regular scheduled blackouts across the country. Significant portions of the population, including hospitals and schools in urban centers like Kyiv, now depend on generators to maintain electricity during outages. The thermal power plants, often owned by private companies like DTEK, have become vital not only for energy generation but also as a source of employment for many residents who have been part of these workplaces for decades. The situation is compounded by harsh winter conditions threatening to exacerbate the demand for energy and the ongoing vulnerability of the infrastructure. Even during air raids, essential personnel remain on-site to manage operations without interruption, highlighting the high-risk conditions under which they work. One plant worker, Yevhen, who has worked for the plant for 17 years, shared insights into the fear that accompanied the initial attacks, which has since transformed into an unsettling familiarity with the threats they face. Such resilience, however, is driven by the hope that Ukraine's ability to repair its energy facilities will outpace the continuous barrage of missile assaults from Russia. Experts note that, should the war cease immediately, the recovery and repair process of the energy sector would take years to restore previous operational levels. The psychological and physical toll on workers is significant and highlights the relentless impacts of warfare on infrastructures and the civilians who depend on them. As the harsh winter approaches, the situation remains critical, where workers and experts pray for improvements in security and operational efficiency to maintain energy supply amid ongoing challenges.