Ukraine and Japan accelerate energy assistance: focus on winter resilience
14 October 19:37
Ukraine has agreed with Japan to accelerate the delivery of already planned aid for the energy sector.
Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk reported on the results of a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Masashi Nakagome and JICA representatives, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to her, the parties discussed energy security priorities ahead of the winter – restoration of damaged infrastructure, protection of energy facilities and formation of equipment reserves.
“We agreed to accelerate the delivery of aid to the energy sector of Ukraine. We also discussed the involvement of Japanese companies in cooperation,” Hrynchuk said.
What assistance is already being provided by Japan
Thanks to Tokyo’s support, Ukrainian power engineers were able to quickly restore damaged facilities after the Russian attacks.
The equipment provided includes
- special equipment for emergency teams;
- generators and components for power lines;
- assistance in restoring infrastructure in Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Mykolaiv and Kherson.
The Energy Ministry notes that Japanese aid has become critical after the spring and summer attacks on thermal power plants and substations.
Winter and attacks on the power grid
On the eve of the new heating season, Ukraine’s energy sector remains under constant threat from Russian missile and drone attacks.
The government is focusing its efforts on stockpiling equipment, generators and transformers, as well as deploying a rapid response system.
At the same time, Japan’s partners have consistently supported Ukraine not only in the energy sector but also in the policy of sanctions: earlier, Tokyo synchronized restrictions against Russian companies working for the Russian military industry.
In addition, JICA and specialized Japanese companies are expected to expand their participation in programs to modernize Ukrainian grids and create a more resilient energy supply system.
The Ministry of Energy is also working to attract investment in “green” generation, an area in which Japan has traditionally shown interest.
Following the massive attacks in the winter of 2022-2023, Ukraine began to systematically build up reserves of power equipment and conclude international agreements in case of new damage.
Key donors include Japan, the United States, Germany, and the Canadian government.
Japan has already funded dozens of projects through JICA and JETRO, and has allocated more than $170 million to support critical infrastructure.
