The state-owned company "Ukrenergo" is on the brink of default due to the need to repay a loan taken before the war for payments to private "green" power plants, reports UNIAN.
In November 2021, "Ukrenergo" secured a loan abroad amounting to 825 million dollars at an interest rate of 6.875%, which is significantly higher than the rates at which developed countries obtain such loans. The first payment of 119 million dollars, equivalent to about 5 billion hryvnias, is due by November 9, 2024. For comparison, this amount is twice the expenses "Ukrenergo" incurred for protective structures throughout the entire war period.
The funds received in 2021-2022, totaling 825 million dollars, were allocated to settle debts with private companies under the "green tariff" associated with the previous government.
The article notes that these funds effectively became direct investments in large energy companies, many of which are owned by wealthy Ukrainians. Now, "Ukrenergo" faces the challenge of repaying 5 billion hryvnias, which is double the amount spent on building protective structures at substations. This raises the question: where will the resources come from to continue installing these systems, especially with winter approaching and the potential for intensified attacks on infrastructure? This question remains unanswered.