Kyiv, 17 November 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and its long-time strategic partner, the Government of Japan, have jointly announced the provision of essential energy equipment for the cities of Kharkiv and Odesa. This collaborative effort, undertaken in coordination with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, aims to secure critical services, especially during the winter months, and strengthen the resilience of the regions’ energy infrastructure.

This initiative comes at a crucial moment, as Ukraine has lost 9 GW of power in the first half of 2024 due to targeted attacks on critical infrastructure, causing severe disruptions in major cities like Kharkiv and Odesa.

The support for Kharkiv includes the delivery of 15 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and a 16MW gas turbine – both of which are vital for the city’s critical infrastructure. The VFDs will help Kharkiv’s water utilities ensure there is a reliable and cost-effective water supply system with a lower risk of service disruptions. The gas turbine, meanwhile, will contribute to maintaining an uninterrupted heat supply by providing an autonomous source of energy.

In Odesa, two gas-piston cogeneration units, each with a capacity of 3.3 MW, will be deployed in the city. These units, in addition to the two recently delivered, will bring Odesa’s total combined generating capacity to 13.2 MW, covering approximately 50% of the energy needs for the city's critical infrastructure, including water, heating, and sewage services.

In addition, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 32 generators with the total capacity of 28 MW will be delivered to the “Kharkiv Vodokanal” municipal water facility to ensure there is a stable energy supply for continuous water distribution, even amid disruptions to the national grid.

The announcement of the equipment deliveries was made during the visit of Japan’s newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi, to Kyiv on 16 November 2024. Minister Iwaya emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, stating,

"Winterization support to Ukraine is crucial as the country enters its third winter since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia." 

He also iterated that the Government of Japan remains committed to supporting the Government of Ukraine and strengthen cooperation for the effective recovery and reconstruction of the country.

"I would like to express my special gratitude to UNDP and JICA for enabling Japan to provide energy infrastructure equipment for the cities of Kharkiv and Odesa. We are also preparing to hand over more energy equipment for Ukraine," Minister Iwaya concluded.

German Galushchenko, Minister of Energy of Ukraine, expressed his gratitude for the international support. “We thank UNDP and the Government of Japan for this assistance, which will help meet the needs of residents in Kharkiv and Odesa. The additional power generation facilities in our cities will enhance the reliability of electricity and heat supply this winter,” Mr. Galushchenko said.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis emphasized that UNDP in Ukraine actively supports the Ukrainian government in its ongoing efforts to restore and transform the country’s energy infrastructure. 

“From supplying water to households and powering industries to supporting national security, energy is vital for the people and economy,” Politis said. “Strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector remains a top priority for UNDP.” 

“Through our strategic partnership with Japan, UNDP has delivered essential energy equipment that has already benefited over 6 million people across Ukraine,” he added.

The Mayor of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov, noted that despite challenging conditions and ongoing attacks, Odesa is determined to build its own independent energy system and needs continued support: “We are deeply grateful to Japan and our sister city Yokohama, which was the first to stand by us, to the UNDP team, and to all the countries that have joined us in this effort. Together, we are laying the foundation for our resilience, ensuring that Odesa can continue to thrive, work, and strengthen connections. This, in turn, will bolster Ukraine’s economy and contribute to the global economy of the civilized world, ultimately reinforcing the power of democracy.”

Ihor Terekhov, the Mayor of Kharkiv, emphasized the vital role of international support: "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Kharkiv has faced unimaginable challenges—relentless shelling, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and constant threats to the lives of our residents. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of the Government of Japan, UNDP, and JICA, who stand with us during these critical times and remain steadfast in their commitment to helping our community.”

Background: Between 22 March and 31 August 2024, Russia launched nine waves of targeted attacks on Ukraine’s electric power system, damaging or destroying numerous power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Between these months, Ukraine lost an additional 9GW of generating capacity.

The Government of Japan is one of UNDP’s most prominent partners in Ukraine and is funding the purchase of equipment for the restoration of critical infrastructure of Ukraine on a continuous basis. Previously, the Government of Japan and UNDP provided three powerful gas turbines, autotransformers, and two gas-piston cogeneration units, further supporting the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org