The Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Ihor Nasalyk claims that Ukraine could lose addiction from anthracite coal, mined in occupied zone, only after 2 – 2.5 years. He told about it in the ICTV channel broadcasting in program ‘Svoboda Slova’ (The Freedom of Speech).

‘We can liquidate the anthracite coal addiction for 2 – 2.5 years’, he clarified and added that 40% of fuel, provided not from RF, but from another firm, have been diversified for today.

Wherein, Nasalyk claimed, that the possibility of import of power from Russian Federation, even in case of appearing such a necessity, won’t be discussed.

At the same time the minister considers that transferring of, for example, 2nd and 5th blocks of Zmiev thermal power station in Kharkiv region from anthracite on the gas group of coal will cost to the country 240 mln. UAH (~8.73 mln.).

‘We completed Feasibility study, all works are carrying out and literally at this Cabinet of Ministers session the financial plan will be affirmed. For today I can give the inside info, that transferring of 2nd and 5th blocks of Zmiev thermal power station in Kharkiv region will cost to the country 240 mln. UAH (~8.73 mln.)’, he said and noted, that these blocks were chosen because there was no need to change turbines themselves, only total supply, which is much easier to do.

At the same time the staff of Kharkiv RSA clarified that coal reserves are 172 thousand of tons and it’s enough till the end of heating season.