Ukrainian Railways secure power supply in key rail routes with US help
Ukrainian Railways has a new mechanism to ensure that freight and passenger routes will be supplied with electricity and running at all times. 105 diesel generators will be established in key locations within the Ukrainian network and function as a backup in case of disruptions. In this way, trains will keep running even with a power supply disruption.
The electricity generators were supplied to Uz by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and cost around 2,7 million dollars in total. As UZ explained, they can provide electricity to 100,000 consumers and will be destined to supply power for “traction substations, railway automation and telecommunication devices.”
Power grid exposed to attacks
Russian forces ‘ attacks on Ukraine’s power grid were frequent during the previous months, probably targeting, among other things, to strike (tele)communications systems and hinder the movement of information, people and possibly even cargo. This is something that Evgeny Lyashchenko, Uz’s chairman of the board, underlined, saying that the company must be prepared for any occasion.
Considering the Ukrainian railway network is 46 per cent electrified and has critical lines, especially to the country’s west, that have kept the country’s supply chain alive and running, securing the power supply is vital. Even though, according to Uz, no trains have been affected by attacks on the country’s power grid, ensuring that alternatives are in place to keep cargo and people transiting is crucial.
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