Rebuilding Ukraine’s 2nd Frontline, Energy: Oleksiy Povolotskiy, DTEK

In This Episode Our host, Stuart Broadley, speaks with Oleksiy Povolotskiy of DTEK about the battle to repair and restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as it faces ongoing targeted attacks from Russia.

Stuart and Oleksiy take a deep dive into the realities of operating an energy system in wartime, exploring how more than 220 attacks on power facilities, the loss of 90% of DTEK’s generation fleet at times, and severe winter conditions have pushed the system into survival mode. They discuss the urgent need for compatible Soviet-era replacement equipment, transformers, diesel generators, heavy lifting machinery, and international donor support to keep electricity and heat flowing to cities including Kyiv.

The conversation also examines Ukraine’s longer-term vision to rebuild back better creating a more decentralized, resilient, and greener energy system aligned with EU standards. From renewable expansion and battery storage to the human cost borne by energy workers on what Oleksiy calls “the second frontline,” this episode provides a powerful and sobering insight into energy security under extreme conditions.