EU calls for urgent increase of support to Ukraine's energy system to avoid humanitarian catastrophe in winter
Kyiv • UNN
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson has called for increased assistance to Ukraine to restore the energy system. She outlined 6 key areas of support to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the winter.
International partners must urgently increase material and technical support for Ukraine to restore the country's energy system, which was destroyed by Russia. Otherwise, a humanitarian catastrophe cannot be avoided. This was stated by European Commissioner for Energy Catherine Simson in a column for the Financial Times, UNN reports.
Details
According to Simson, Ukraine is already actively struggling to rebuild its energy system. In particular, regular conferences on Ukraine's recovery have drawn attention to this issue.
Thus, the EU has provided €500 million to help the energy sector. In addition, Europe has donated in-kind assistance, including more than 8,000 generators and more than 3,300 transformers. European operators also supply electricity.
But the international community must do much more. To avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine, we need to step up unprecedented logistical and aid efforts now
The European official identified six main points where support for Ukraine should be strengthened. In particular
- Where possible, damaged electricity and heat production facilities should be repaired and reactivated.
- Ukraine needs to bring as many small decentralized generators as possible that can start working quickly.
- Solar panels on rooftops should be deployed as soon as possible to provide energy to hospitals, schools, public and residential buildings. Decentralized electricity production is less susceptible to Russian attack.
- The maximum amount of electricity that can be exported to Ukraine from other European countries should be gradually increased
- It is necessary to expand the connection capacity at the borders.
- Passive defense of energy infrastructure and air defense around critical facilities should be strengthened.
I urge everyone who is in a position to help Ukraine before the cold season sets in to do so. What is needed today is an unprecedented effort of solidarity and generosity
Recall
European Energy Commissioner Catherine Simson has warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine due to attacks on the energy system. Due to the loss of 9 GW of power, some cities may become uninhabitable in winter due to lack of electricity and heating.
