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Norway and UNDP deliver critical energy equipment to strengthen Ukraine's energy grid
March 26, 2025
Kyiv, 26 March 2025 – Today, the Government of Norway, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), delivered a significant boost to Ukraine's energy resilience with the official handover of crucial energy equipment. At a ceremony in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Norwegian government representatives presented certificates for the equipment to three Ukrainian energy companies, marking a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen Ukraine's energy infrastructure amidst the ongoing conflict.
The energy sector’s total reconstruction needs as of December 2024 are estimated at U.S. $67.78 billion. The regions with the largest estimated needs are Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odesa, and Sumy oblast.
The attacks on the energy system have caused civilian suffering and general economic attrition. Immediate power outages have affected around 1.5 million people, disrupting heating, water supply and sanitation, public transportation, and telecommunications, as well as health and education services.
The ceremony featured the official handover of certificates for:
- Gas-fired piston engine generator sets with a total capacity of approximately 150 MW for state oil and gas company Naftogaz: These high-efficiency generators will provide vital backup power to critical infrastructure and residential areas across Ukraine, ensuring reliable energy supplies even during disruptions.
- Critical equipment for gas production company JSC UkrGasVydobuvannya (UGV).
- Facilitation of the delivery of two 330 kV 200 MVA autotransformers for National Power Company Ukrenergo: These high-capacity transformers will enhance the efficiency and reliability of Ukraine's electricity transmission network, improving grid stability and ensuring a consistent supply of power to consumers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide, said the delivery of the equipment represents not just a short-term solution, but a strategic investment in a more resilient and sustainable energy future for the Ukrainian people. “We understand the critical role of reliable energy in rebuilding communities and fostering economic recovery, and we are committed to standing with Ukraine as it navigates these challenges,” Eide said. “We’re confident that this investment will contribute significantly to a more prosperous and secure Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko told attendees at the handover ceremony that the equipment would directly improve the reliability of power supplies for millions of Ukrainians, bolstering essential services like healthcare and education, and help to drive Ukraine’s economic recovery.
“The support from Norway is vital for Ukrainians, it strengthens our energy infrastructure and enhances our resilience to potential future energy crises,” Galushchenko said.
“Our effective collaboration offers hope for a safe and successful future for Ukraine. We are grateful to Norway for its steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine's energy sector.”
Roman Chumak, Acting Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz of Ukraine stated that the assistance from Norway and the UNDP is critically important for the Naftogaz Group and the Ukrainian people: “We highly value our partners’ support and are grateful for the help during this difficult time for Ukraine and its energy sector,” Chumak said. “The equipment received will enable us to be more resilient in the face of contemporary challenges. We sincerely thank the Kingdom of Norway and the UNDP for their tangible aid in strengthening Ukraine’s energy security.”
Oleksii Brekht, Acting Chairman of the Management Board of NPC Ukrenergo, emphasised that in wartime, effective logistics is critically important, so the delivery of new autotransformers would significantly accelerate the process of restoring power facilities damaged by attacks. “We are sincerely grateful to UNDP and the Government of Norway for their assistance in organising the delivery of two autotransformers to Ukrenergo's substations,” Brekht said. “This is an important step towards the restoration and modernisation of Ukraine's power system, thus contributing to increasing the stability of energy supply to consumers and strengthening Ukraine's energy security.”
UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said UNDP was proud to partner with Norway in delivering this critical equipment, which he said would have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Ukrainians.
“This project exemplifies UNDP's dedication to supporting Ukraine's recovery efforts, ensuring that essential services are maintained and that communities have access to reliable energy,” Cilliers said. “We’re committed to supporting Ukraine’s long-term development and building a more equitable and prosperous future.”
This initiative, part of the UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme, demonstrates a substantial step toward securing Ukraine's energy future. The delivered equipment will be crucial in supporting critical infrastructure, ensuring essential services are maintained, and fostering economic recovery.
Russia's full-scale invasion has devastated over 60% of Ukraine's energy facilities, according to UNDP estimates. The ongoing conflict has also had a devastating impact on Ukraine's energy workforce, with over 100 energy workers killed and more than 300 injured while working to restore essential services amidst ongoing attacks.
The prolonged disruption of essential services underscores the urgency of the situation and the vital role of international partnerships, like that between Norway and UNDP, in providing critical support to Ukraine's energy sector and its people.
Background:
The Government of Norway and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating closely to support Ukraine's energy sector recovery. This partnership combines Norway's significant funding with UNDP's operational expertise on the ground to deliver critical equipment, technical assistance, and capacity building programmes aimed at building a resilient and sustainable energy future for Ukraine.
In an effort to support Ukraine's energy resilience, Norway and UNDP is delivering critical equipment like backup power generators, solar power systems, and AC generators to key regions and cities including Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Lviv, providing crucial support to schools, hospitals, and local infrastructure that have experienced significant power challenges. The initiative has already benefited millions of Ukrainians by strengthening essential services like healthcare and education, modernizing the energy sector, and enabling businesses to operate with fewer interruptions.
Media inquiries:
Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org
