Secretariat starts cooperation with Ukrhydronergo in seeking recovery of damages caused by Russia’s attacks

The Energy Community Secretariat and Ukraine’s main hydropower generating company Ukrhydroenergo signed a Memorandum of Understanding on coordination of legal actions against Russia for damages to the energy infrastructure. Under the MoU, the Secretariat will provide Ukrhydroenergo with strategic and legal advice in obtaining compensation for damages caused by Russia’s military invasion. Ukrhydroenergo will also benefit from the support of the Secretariat’s Ukraine Legal Support Platform, especially created for Ukrainian public energy companies.

Ukrhydroenergo is the owner of major hydro power plants along the Dnieper and Dniester rivers, among which the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, which was completely destroyed by Russian occupying forces in June 2023. The 343 MW plant produced 1.2-1.5 billion kWh per year on average.

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion and to this day, the aggressor has not stopped launching missile strikes at Ukraine's energy facilities, including hydropower facilities. Since last fall, more than 50 missile strikes have been launched at our facilities. The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was blown up... The enemy continues to damage hydroelectric generation. Therefore, we hope that cooperation with the Energy Community Secretariat will make it possible to hold the aggressor country accountable for the damage caused, help restore justice and assist the company in restoring its facilities," said CEO Ihor Syrota.

Deputy Director Dirk Buschle said: “We are eager to start working with our colleagues at Ukrhydroenergo to find the best course of action for justice to be served. In this context, we will also explore options for recovery of damages for the dramatic environmental consequences following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam”.