Ukraine has billions of tons of lignite: why it is not being used.

Ukrainians who heat their country houses with boilers are well aware of various types of fuel, such as firewood or peat. However, the complicated energy situation due to the full-scale war with Russia may force our country to look for alternative energy sources. One of them could be lignite .

What is known about lignite extraction

The editorial staff of Novyny.LIVE tells what is known about lignite extraction in Ukraine.

Lignite reserves in Ukraine are estimated at up to two and a half billion tons, as stated on the website of the . There are 80 deposits of lignite in the country, but active development occurs only in three of them. The majority of the deposits of this mineral were found in the Dnipro lignite basin, covering seven regions:

• Kyiv;
• Zhytomyr;
• Cherkasy;
• Kirovohradska;
• Dnipropetrovsk;
• Zaporizhzhia;
• Vinnytsia.

Lignite mining began as early as 1871, but by the end of the 19th century, operations were halted due to competition with Donetsk coal. In the 1950s, lignite was mentioned again, and the peak of development at the Alexandrian deposit occurred between 1960 and 1970, when up to 10 million tons were extracted annually in Kirovohrad region. Meanwhile, local enrichment factories produced up to 4 million tons of coal briquettes.

When the 1990s arrived, the state decided not to subsidize enterprises engaged in lignite mining. Over time, the entire infrastructure built at the deposits began to deteriorate, and the industry declined.

In 2014, information emerged that a lignite deposit in Cherkasy region was being put into operation. It was mentioned that this deposit is one of the few that has quality coal. The available reserves of nearly 7.7 million tons allow for the extraction of this mineral for 30 years.

Prospects for lignite

Despite significant reserves, the country makes little use of the potential of this energy resource, though lignite could replace in Ukrainian heat supply. Moreover, the chemical properties of the mineral allow it to be used in various sectors of the economy. For instance, domestic CHPs and TPPs can operate using a mixture of lignite and hard coal to produce water-coal fuel and even diesel fuel.

Previously, we told you about another strategic raw material, the deposits of which are in Ukraine. It is about , which is important for the production of ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and paper. Learn also where the are located in Ukraine.

Ukraine has large reserves of lignite, but the potential of this energy resource could be significantly better utilized. The use of lignite could help reduce dependence on imported gas and ensure the country’s energy independence, as well as stimulate the development of domestic industry.