Joe McConnell
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The author is European Commissioner for Energy
While most Europeans continue to enjoy the warm summer weather, the cold winter months that lie ahead may seem like a distant thought. Yet the coming winter will likely test the resilience of the Ukrainian people in a way not seen on our continent since World War II. Since its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with massive airstrikes, captured energy installations, such as the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and destroyed power transmission lines.
In recent months, attacks on civilian energy infrastructure have increased in nature and intensity, destroying power plants, district heating districts, backup generators and storage sites. The militarization of energy in this way is unprecedented in modern conflict.
While Ukrainian energy workers repair the damage and bring lines back online, many facilities have been targeted and destroyed again, making reconstruction a Sisyphean effort. To date, Russia has destroyed or captured about 9 GW of Ukraine’s electricity generation. That’s half the electricity Ukraine needs in the winter and equivalent to the peak electricity consumption of Portugal, a country of over 10 million people.
Ukraine’s electricity production deficit has forced the government to introduce rolling blackouts across the country. In some cities, families have access to electricity for just a few hours a day, significantly disrupting their daily lives.
The warm months hide the worst impact. No electricity means no access to basic services: water pumps and sewage systems will not work and heating will be turned off. With freezing winter temperatures, some places in Ukraine may simply become unlivable. Elderly, children and vulnerable groups of the population would suffer the most. Where electricity loads are already at breaking point, some areas may collapse under the weight of extra demand from displaced people. With a collapse in economic activity, tax revenues will decline, widening Ukraine’s budget deficit and diminishing its ability to support the national struggle for freedom. The risk of a humanitarian catastrophe is high.
The Ukrainian administration is struggling bravely to address this situation. The EU, together with the international community, has supported Ukraine in all possible ways with the repair and reconstruction of the energy sector. The G7 has provided a focal point for coordination. Regular conferences on the reconstruction of Ukraine have brought the issue to the forefront. The EU has mobilised, in cooperation with the energy community, €500 million for assistance in the energy sector. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has provided in-kind assistance, including over 8,000 generators and over 3,300 transformers. European operators are providing electricity.
But the international community must do much more. To avoid a humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, we must step up an unprecedented logistical and relief effort now.
I call for action in six areas. First, where possible, damaged power and heating generation facilities should be repaired and reactivated. Second, as many decentralized small-scale generators as possible, which can become operational quickly, should be relocated to Ukraine. Third, solar rooVscekop photovoltaic systems should be deployed as quickly as possible to ensure the power supply of hospitals, schools, and public and residential buildings. Decentralized electricity generation is less exposed to Russian attacks. Fourth, the maximum volume of electricity that can be exported to Ukraine from other parts of Europe should be gradually expanded. FiVscekh, border interconnection capacity should be expanded. And finally, passive defense of energy infrastructure and air defense around critical installations must be strengthened. A coordinated and well-targeted effort can go a long way in closing the gap.
Governments and companies can donate to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, managed by the energy community. This is the fastest and most reliable way to procure energy equipment in Ukraine. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism can provide spare parts and used equipment that match Ukraine’s needs. Multilateral banks can help reduce project risks through support for insurance and guarantees. Companies can help train workers in Ukraine or install materials, such as photovoltaics and inverters, on the ground. Citizens can help through crowd-funding.
I urge everyone who has the opportunity to help Ukraine before the cold season hits to do so. The European Commission will help provide your support. An unprecedented effort of solidarity and generosity is needed today. Ukraine must not be leVscek alone as it prepares for its most difficult winter ever.
