SUMMARY
The Dnieper River is the longest river in Ukraine, and along its stream are deployed six sets of dams and hydroelectric stations producing an estimated 10% of the country’s electricity production.
The 220km of river stream between the city of Zaporizhzhia and the city of Nova Kakhovka is known of Kakhovka Reservoir. The main importance points of the reservoir are:
- The Kakhova Reservoir supplies cooling water to the reactors of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine with a capacity of 5,700 MW. If the water levels for normal cooling are not maintained, there is a risk of the nuclear plant overheating, potentially leading to a nuclear incident.
- The southern dam near the city of Nova Kakhovka functions as the 357 MW Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, the cost of incurred damage of explosions to the hydroelectric station is estimated at 1,5 billion EUR, with associated loss of electricity production
- Seven trapped merchant ships in the port of Kherson could be washed away from the jetty by the huge water flow
- The Kakhovka Reservoir is the primary source of irrigation for large areas of southern Ukraine
JUNE 06TH 2023 EXPLOSION AT KAKHOVKA DAM
Reportedly, upon Russian troops withdrawal from the area, a number of explosives charges were set along the dam, and set ablaze in the morning of June 06th 2023.
Satellite imagery taken from Planet and analysed by Skytek indicate that a large explosion destroyed over 60% of the dam which is built 30m tall and 2,2 km long across Dnipro River, allowing the water contained in the Kakova Reservoir flow uncontrolled down river.
Skytek analysed the very high resolution obtained on June 04th 2023, and observed normal levels of activity on the dam, with controlled release of water through the dam, as depicted in Figure 1 below.
- The Kakhova Dam has sustained extensive damage on over 60% of its length
- Satellite imagery indicates three breaches through the dam, consistent with series of explosive charges planted in advance
- Social media captures a floating mine exploding near the Dam after the main explosions. There is fear that additional floating mine could flow downstream adding to the existing damage
- The estimated 18 cubic kilometres contained in the Kakhova Reservoir are now rapidly flowing towards Kherson port, flooding large areas along the river
- Skytek records seven merchant ships in an aggregated market value of $16 million, trapped from the beginning of the conflict, moored alongside the Kherson Sea Port and Kherson Bakery terminal
- These ships are known for having skeleton or no crew members on board to handle additional mooring lines.
- Due to the insufficient crew and anticipated lack of maintenance and preparedness, the ships would be unable to have their engines ready. As a result, if the mooring lines were to break, the ships would drift uncontrollably in the Dnipro River.
