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The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that the upcoming winter will be the most severe test for Ukraine’s energy sector since the start of the Russian invasion.
The IEA highlighted that Ukraine’s energy network will face unprecedented challenges this winter due to the destruction and damage to numerous power stations, the Guardian reports, Ukrinform explained.
The IEA proposed ten measures for restoring Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but did not specify what these measures entail. The agency also warned about potential issues with electricity supply for neighboring Moldova after Ukraine ceases the transit of Russian gas at the end of 2024.
IEA Director Fatih Birol stated, “The upcoming winter will undoubtedly be the harshest test for the energy system,” emphasizing that while Ukraine’s energy system has endured the past two winters, this one will be particularly challenging. The report notes that in 2022 and 2023, approximately half of Ukraine’s generating capacity was occupied or destroyed by Russian forces, and about half of the major network substations were damaged by rockets and drones.
The IEA urges European countries to expedite the supply of equipment and spare parts for the restoration of damaged infrastructure and to implement measures to protect these facilities from drone attacks.
The report also mentions that from March to August, Russia conducted nine waves of large-scale, coordinated attacks on energy facilities across 20 Ukrainian regions and Kyiv, which may lead to power outages lasting between 4 to 18 hours a day.
The IEA’s warning comes amidst concerns that Ukraine could face significant electricity shortages this winter, potentially affecting heating and water supplies.
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