Securing Ukraine’s energy with green and decentralized solutions
Ukraine’s energy grid is under immense pressure due to the ongoing Russian invasion. Repeated attacks have destroyed critical infrastructure, leading to prolonged power outages and a precarious energy situation—particularly with winter approaching. To address urgent needs and increase resilience, it is essential to help Ukraine build a decentralized and flexible energy network that is harder to disrupt. Green and decentralized energy systems play a central role in this strategy, supported by Norway and international partners.
Stable energy supply in Odesa
In the port city of Odesa, residents have long endured frequent power outages due to damaged infrastructure. With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funding from Norway, Japan, and Sweden, the city is receiving four gas-powered cogeneration units. These generators will increase the city’s energy capacity by 13.2 MW and cover 45% of its needs for water, heating, and sewage services. This means approximately 450,000 residents will now have more stable access to essential services.
Jan Flæte, Chargé d’Affaires at the Norwegian Embassy in Ukraine, emphasized: “By supporting critical energy infrastructure, we are helping Ukrainian cities like Odesa secure heat and light.”
Norwegian support brings warmth and light
Norway has contributed NOK 1.1 billion through UNDP’s Green Energy Recovery Programme to help Ukraine rebuild and strengthen its energy sector. This support includes:
- Installing solar panels on schools and hospitals to ensure power during outages.
- Increasing the national energy capacity by 80 MW through investments in renewable energy sources.
- Developing wind power projects in areas with favorable wind conditions.
- Implementing biomass plants that convert agricultural waste into energy.
These initiatives are crucial for replacing destroyed infrastructure and ensuring a stable energy supply. By focusing on decentralized and renewable energy, Ukraine reduces its vulnerability to attacks on centralized energy grids and moves closer to achieving energy independence.
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, highlighted the importance of this support:
“Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have created an urgent need for increased energy production. Through our collaboration with UNDP, we are helping Ukraine face the challenges of winter while laying the foundation for a greener future.”