Ukraine’s energy supply will be the most severe challenge since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the International Energy Agency said in a report. The IEA is also concerned about neighboring Moldova.
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After losing more than two-thirds of its electricity production capacity, Ukraine will have great difficulty heating itself this winter, notes the report of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Ukraine’s energy system has survived the last two winters (…) but this winter will be, by far, its most severe test yet “, warned IEA Director General Fatih Birol during a press briefing in Brussels with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The situation in Ukraine constitutes one of the most pressing energy security issues in the world today “, warns the Paris-based agency.
” Ukrainians Need to Stay Warm »
The President of the European Commission is travelling to kyiv on Friday 20 September to meet with the President Volodymyr Zelensky. ” Our Ukrainian friends need our help to keep the lights on. Ukrainians need to stay warm. ” she hammered home. Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will provide an additional 160 million euros in humanitarian aid and energy infrastructure, mentioning a total envelope of 2 billion euros since the start of the Russian invasion.
To help Ukraine, the IEA is therefore urging its European allies to speed up the delivery of equipment and spare parts for repair damaged power plants or destroyed. The estimated cost of repairs is $30 billion.
Before the Russian invasion, theUkraine depended on nuclear power for half of its electricity, on coal-fired power plants for 23% and on gas-fired power plants for 9%. At the same time, the Agency recommends also increasing the capacity to import electricity and gas from the European Union.
Concerns for Moldova
The IEA is also sounding the alarm for neighbouring Moldova. The main gas-fired power plant that supplies the country is located in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria.
Stopping the transit of Russian gas via Ukraine beyond December 31 creates significant uncertainty for gas supplies to the Transnistrian region and for Moldova’s electricity security “, the report notes.
The suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine beyond December 31 is a major problem for the MoldovaStrengthening its interconnections with the EU will be essential to secure the country’s energy supply next winter, the IEA believes.
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