Eight of the ten dirtiest European coal power plants by particulate matter emissions are in Ukraine, 12 of 30 by sulphur dioxide emissions and 9 of 30 by nitrogen oxide emissions. But the most astonishing fact is that the state continues to subsidize them, instead of investing in new generation methods. The reason is the oligarchic lobby in the government, especially in the current government of Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal who used to work in DTEK – the energy company of the richest Ukrainian tycoon Akhmetov.
Environmental Challenges
OP-ED
Bohdan Ben: 8 of Europe’s 10 dirtiest coal power plants are in Ukraine
A drone picture shows an aerial view of the DTEK tower and the Nº1 Kyivenerho heat supply station in Kyiv on Dec. 7, 2020. DTEK is owned by Rinat Akhmetov, the wealthiest oligarch in Ukraine, and produces the lion’s share of Ukraine’s coal-fired electricity. DTEK is accused of creating a lucrative scheme known as Rotterdam+ which made Ukrainians overpay Hr 39 billion for electricity.
