Preparing for winter, stockpiling equipment: Energy Ministry counts on cooperation with USAID
On the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko and Ukrainian Energy Deputy Minister Yaroslav Demchenkov met with Assistant Administrator in the USAID Bureau for Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Erin McKee.
The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
The parties discussed the strengthening of cooperation to enhance the sustainability of Ukraine’s energy sector and support for the Ukrainian Energy Ministry in implementing reforms.
Galushchenko and McKee emphasized winterization and the participation of the USAID Energy Security Project in the procurement of necessary energy equipment through the Energy Support Fund and the U.S. contribution of USD 25 million to this Fund.
“We understand that, as winter approaches, the enemy may intensify attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. Accordingly, we already need to create equipment reserves to recover as quickly as possible in case of damage and attacks,” Galushchenko noted.
The Ukrainian minister expressed hope that further cooperation, namely in the procurement of equipment through the Energy Support Fund, would be even faster and more efficient.
“It is crucial that all the necessary machinery and equipment that our energy companies need, and which have already been purchased with the Fund’s money, be delivered on time. This is a matter of the country’s energy security,” Galushchenko added.
In the context of the winter challenges and further development of Ukraine’s energy system, the parties also considered the importance of decentralization of generating facilities and the development of solar and wind generation, energy storage and grids.
Additionally, they discussed the possibility of providing technical assistance and developing the tools that would attract additional funds for the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Photo: Ukrainian Energy Ministry