The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Thursday recommended a 10-point immediate action plan to ensure Ukraine’s ‘fragile energy security’ through the coming winter and beyond.
Ukraine’s energy system, having already endured two winters since Russia’s invasion in 2022, faces unprecedented pressure due to intensified attacks since spring 2024 on power plants, heat plants, transmission networks and more, IEA said via its latest report titled Ukraine’s Energy Security and the Coming Winter.
The country’s energy infrastructure is under huge strain and the situation may worsen as the days grow shorter and colder, according to the report.
IEA warned of a looming electricity shortage that could severely disrupt hospitals, schools, and other vital services during the winter, particularly in the face of colder temperatures.
The report’s 10 key energy measures include ‘bolstering the physical and cyber security of critical energy infrastructure, expediting the delivery of equipment and spare parts for repairs, accelerating the decentralization of power supply, investing in energy efficiency and increasing the capacity to import electricity and gas from the EU.’
Other steps include, identifying alternative options, increasing natural gas storage levels, strengthening the gas import capacity from the EU, maintaining a coordinated approach with Moldova as well as laying the groundwork for a modern, market-based, resilient and sustainable Ukrainian energy system, well integrated with the EU system.
According to the report, actions should, where possible, build a foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable energy system integrated with Europe, aligning with Ukraine’s long-term energy goals.
IEA executive director Fatih Birol said that the situation in Ukraine is one of the most pressing energy security issues in the world today.
‘Ukraine’s energy system has made it through the past two winters thanks to the resilience, courage and ingenuity of its people and strong solidarity from its international partners,’ Birol said, but warned that ‘this winter will be, by far, its sternest test yet.’
‘The actions laid out in this report, if implemented swiftly and effectively, could make a major difference. And they would put Ukraine on a path towards a sturdier and more sustainable energy future – the one its people deserve,’ Birol said.
Reporting by Nuran Erkul Kaya in London
