36 water distribution points to be equipped with solar power stations in Mykolaiv

Treated water distribution point. Photo: Mykolaiv Regional State Administration

In Mykolaiv, there are 36 purified water distribution points, which are managed by Mykolaivoblteploenergo, equipped with generators. However, the company says that this is only an emergency measure, as the generators require maintenance and incur significant fuel costs. There are plans to install solar power stations at other sites to make them self-sufficient.

This was announced during a briefing today, 25 March, by Mykola Lohvinov, director of the Mykolaivoblteploenergo municipal enterprise, according to NikVesti.

According to Mykola Lohvinov, 36 out of 79 water distribution points have been fitted with generators. However, inverters and batteries have been installed at each point, allowing water to be dispensed even without electricity.

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Mykolaivoblteploenergo plans to install inverters, batteries and solar power stations at 36 sites where there are boreholes, so that both water generation and supply continue to function during power cuts. Mykola Lohvinov noted that such equipment has already been installed at 10 and 15 Kolodiazna Street.

«We have already received 36 sets. These are inverters, batteries and solar power stations. We have already drawn up 24 plans for these sites. We will seek funding and proceed with the installation. This is to ensure the stations operate autonomously,» explained Mykola Lohvinov.

He added that the company is increasing its own electricity generation, so some facilities will have a constant supply of electricity and, consequently, the water distribution points will operate.

Mykola Lohvinov, Director of Mykolaivoblteploenergo, photo by NikVesti

At the same time, the head of Mykolaivoblteploenergo emphasised that he sees no point in installing more generators at water distribution points. Their operation requires staff, a lot of fuel and maintenance. He gave the example that the company needs 72 tonnes of diesel fuel per day to maintain all the generators. Furthermore, some of them are not designed to operate in freezing conditions.

«Generators are best used when conditions are really bad, very cold, or when there are prolonged power cuts. That’s when they’re needed. The war isn’t over. And we don’t know when it will end. And we cannot count on receiving new equipment if we destroy the equipment we were given (generators from donors — note). That is why I say that generators are not a panacea; they are for emergencies, and they should only be used when necessary, not simply to ensure maximum comfort,» added Mykola Lohvinov.

As a reminder, deviations in readings were found at four water distribution points. These are located in the Zavodskyi and Tsentralnyi districts.

Also, NikVesti reported that the municipal utility Mykolaivoblteploenergo owes Naftogaz 800 million hryvnias. As a result, the Mykolaiv-based company, like other heat supply companies in Ukraine, may have its accounts frozen. Consequently, Oblteploenergo may be unable to collect the 15 cogeneration plants that donors are transferring to the city.