The aftermath of Russian air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure has resulted in over half of the country's power generation capacity being destroyed or seized, leading to widespread blackouts and concerns about future energy supplies, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT).

Prior to the invasion, Ukraine boasted one of Europe's largest domestic energy production capacities, generating around 55 gigawatts of electricity. However, due to Russian attacks and occupation, this capacity has plummeted to below 20GW, with power plants being directly targeted.

The European Union (EU) has expressed alarm over the destruction of 9.2GW of energy generation by Russia since March. The attacks have focused on power plants and natural gas storage facilities critical for EU customers, raising fears about winter energy security.

The initial aerial bombardment campaign by Russia primarily targeted Ukraine's electrical distribution grid during the winter of 2022-23, which officials and experts noted could be repaired relatively easily. However, the latest onslaught has shifted focus to thermal and hydroelectric power plants, posing significant challenges in terms of repair, reconstruction, or replacement.

On April 11, the Trypillia thermal power station, Ukraine's largest, suffered a devastating blow, losing 100 percent of its generating capacity following a Russian air attack. The power station, located 50 kilometers south of Kyiv, supplied electricity to three regions and provided power to 8 percent of the nation's population.

The attacks have not subsided, with another significant strike on June 1 causing substantial damage to energy facilities across five regions, according to Ukraine's energy minister, Herman Halushchenko. Two thermal power plants were damaged in the attack, with no specific location mentioned.

The situation is increasingly dire, with one head of an engineering company involved in reconstruction projects warning that if new thermal power plants are not built immediately, Ukraine could face freezing of municipal heating pipes as soon as temperatures drop in November.

Russian objectives are clear, as Oleksandr Lytvynenko, secretary of Ukraine's national security and defense council, explains. The aim is to render life unlivable for Ukrainians. To mitigate vulnerability to Russian attacks, plans are underway to establish a decentralized energy system relying on more resilient mini-power plants.

European countries have stepped in to assist, providing 120 shipments of critical energy equipment and tools to aid in the restoration and repair of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Additionally, Ukraine is increasing its imports of EU electricity and bringing more gas-fired energy plants online.

However, Ukraine's leadership is also faced with the necessity of implementing further unpopular tariff hikes to fund the reconstruction effort, according to Borys Dodonov, head of energy and climate studies at the Kyiv School of Economics. Dodonov warns that without taking measures, the population may only have two to four hours of electricity per day in January.

To further enhance energy security, Ukraine is also exploring the adoption of green technology such as solar panels and wind turbines. However, securing foreign investment remains a challenge due to the country's risk profile.

As Ukraine struggles to overcome the devastating impact of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, the whole country faces the looming prospect of severe power cuts and a dire winter ahead.