During a working visit to one of DTEK’s coal mines in Western Donbas, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal presented departmental awards to 40 of the company’s miners and power engineers.
The ceremony took place in the mine, at a depth of 480 metres, where the miners work. The Ministry of Energy’s awards were presented to employees of coal and energy operations who ensure the operation of a single production chain — from the mining of Ukrainian coal to the generation of electricity.
The awards ceremony took place at the height of preparations for the next heating season. Because of russian attacks and the unprecedented destruction of energy infrastructure, which has continued for a fifth year in a row, the upcoming winter could become yet another grueling ordeal for Ukraine's energy system.
“I thank the miners and power engineers for their professionalism and courage. Despite repeated enemy shelling, you continue to work and to supply the country with light and heat. It is an honour for me to present these honorary awards to you, because people always stand at the heart of Ukraine’s energy resilience. We value everyone’s contribution. Light will prevail!” noted the minister.
During the visit and the descent into the mine, they discussed topical issues and pressing needs and coordinated further cooperation in preparing for the autumn–winter period.
The miners continue to work amid a full-scale war, the approaching combat zone, enemy attacks and regular power outages. They also help power engineers to restore thermal power plants damaged by shelling.
“We are preparing for the coming winter as one team. Miners extract coal for Ukrainian thermal power plants, power engineers restore equipment after attacks, and machine builders supply the enterprises with the necessary machinery. At our own level, we are doing everything possible so that, despite the challenges of the war, Ukrainians have light and heat, especially during the autumn–winter period,” noted Oleksandr Fomenko, CEO of DTEK Energy.
The company’s enterprises are continuing their intensified preparations for the next heating season, restoring damaged TPP equipment, supporting the operation of mines and machine-building enterprises, and building up the necessary fuel reserves. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, DTEK Energy has channelled more than UAH 51 billion into getting through the wartime winters.