Kyiv, 20 April 2023 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the Government of Japan, today announced the delivery of 77 generators (410 kW, 292 kW, and 160 kW) to representatives of Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv oblasts. The equipment will ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure facilities such as hospitals, water treatment and sewage stations, heating systems and educational institutions.

With up to half of the country's energy infrastructure being destroyed by the Russian attacks, averting an energy crisis is critical to Ukraine's recovery. With funding from the Japanese Government, UNDP is procuring specialized energy equipment to maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply. Five generators were today handed over to Kyiv Oblast representatives, with more equipment to be delivered to communities nationwide in the coming weeks. 

The support is part of a larger effort to strengthen the Ukrainian energy sector, which also includes  five high-voltage autotransformers for power supply to 4.5 million people; a gas turbine for electricity generation in Kyiv; and over 1,000 generators and power banks to support schools, hospitals, fire and police stations across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, said that Japan stands with Ukraine, and will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes. “I hope that these 77 heavy generators, which we delivered to Kyiv Oblast, as well as twelve other oblasts in Ukraine, can help the Ukrainian energy sector to become as resilient as possible before the beginning of the next heating season,” he said. “The generators are a symbol of sympathy, friendship and support coming from the people of Japan.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine, said UNDP is supporting the efforts of the Government of Ukraine to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply. "According to our latest Ukraine Energy Damage Assessment, $1.2 billion in emergency repairs are needed immediately,” he said. “Together with the generous support from the Government of Japan, we are finding immediate emergency solutions, but also longer term solutions to address this challenge.”

Oleksandr Butenko, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, thanked the partners for their systematic and consistent support of the Ukrainian people. "We highly appreciate the efforts of the world in supporting our country in the fight against Russian aggression. While the war continues, we work together to restore our infrastructure where possible, to provide the necessary conditions for the civilians and defenders, and to support the economy."

Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, Mykola Boyko, Deputy Head of Kyiv State Oblast Administration, said that local authorities are already working on the next heating season, considering various scenarios. "The war in Ukraine has taught us to be constantly prepared, to respond to challenges quickly, and to provide for the population’s needs,” he said. “We appreciate that our international partners support us on this path, and understand the importance of strategic preparedness, and the need to provide alternative sources of energy on such a large scale and quantity.”

Media inquiries: Yuliia Samus, Communications Team Leader, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org