KYIV, June 18 – The scenario of the environmental modernization of Ukrainian thermal power plants (TPPs) in order to achieve national targets for reducing emissions in the next 10 years will cost Ukraine EUR 5.2 billion, or 10% more than the scenario of gradual decommissioning of thermal generation, Finnish company Wartsila Energy told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Our simulations have clearly shown that upgrading coal plants is significantly more expensive than decommissioning and makes the system more vulnerable to climate risks, while investments in renewable energy sources, as well as batteries and balancing gas capacities, provide savings at the system level," Director of Market Development at Wartsila Energy Ihor Petryk said.