Ukraine, Sept 19 (Alliance News): The International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a stark warning about Ukraine’s electricity supply, predicting “severe disruptions” this winter due to ongoing Russian attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
The IEA has urged Ukraine’s allies to enhance support to address the critical energy security challenges the country faces.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has endured relentless missile and drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. Recent escalations, including a major aerial assault in August that targeted energy facilities with over 200 missiles and drones, have exacerbated the situation. Power outages from these attacks have affected millions of households.
“Ukraine’s energy system has made it through the past two winters thanks to the resilience, courage and ingenuity of its people and strong solidarity from its international partners,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “But this winter will be, by far, its sternest test yet.”
The IEA’s report highlights that more than two-thirds of Ukraine’s pre-war power generation capacity has been rendered offline due to destruction, damage, or occupation by Russian forces.
This has led to frequent rolling blackouts that also impact water supply, and the situation is expected to worsen with the onset of colder weather.
“A yawning gap between available electricity supply and peak demand risks emerging — bringing the threat of even more severe disruptions to hospitals, schools and other key institutions in the depths of winter,” the report warns. The IEA estimates that Ukraine’s electricity shortfall could reach up to 6 gigawatts this winter, nearly a third of expected peak demand.
To address these risks, the IEA recommends ten measures, including enhancing the physical and cyber security of energy infrastructure, expediting equipment repairs, improving energy efficiency, and increasing electricity and gas imports from the EU.
Effective air defense is highlighted as the most crucial measure to maintain essential energy services.
EU Support for Ukraine
In response, the European Union is set to disburse €160 million ($179 million) to aid Ukraine this winter.
This funding includes €60 million ($67 million) for humanitarian aid such as shelters and heaters, and €100 million ($112 million) for repairs and renewable energy projects, largely financed through frozen Russian assets.
“It is only right that Russia pays for the destruction it caused,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated.
She added that the EU has contributed at least €2 billion ($2.2 billion) towards Ukraine’s energy system since the invasion began.
Efforts to repair and connect Ukraine’s energy grid to Europe are progressing, with plans to cover over 25% of the country’s energy needs this winter.
For example, a thermal power plant from Lithuania is being shipped to Ukraine for reassembly, and solar panels are being dispatched to hospitals to ensure they are fully equipped by winter.
