Over 50,000 energy and heating engineers are working to restore Ukraine`s power grid, says Shmyhal
In Ukraine, more than 50,000 energy and heating engineers have been involved in the repair and restoration of energy facilities. This was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal during the Forum of Frontline Cities and Communities in Kharkiv.
According to him, the Ministry of Energy and the government are paying special attention to helping communities get through this winter and at the same time forming a resource for further modernisation. All specialists involved in the restoration will receive a monthly payment of 20,000 hryvnias for January, February and March.
Shmyhal noted that Ukraine has increased its electricity imports and reached record volumes of supplies from Europe. This winter, more than 30 countries are providing assistance to Ukraine, including generators, transformers and cogeneration equipment. The task of local authorities is to install this equipment on site as quickly as possible.
At the same time, there are programmes to support the population, businesses and condominiums for the development of additional generation, including the SvitloDIM programme and preferential loans for private households to install alternative energy sources.
As part of a pilot project to build protective structures for critical infrastructure in frontline regions, the government has allocated 6 billion hryvnia to regional military administrations. Protective structures are currently being built for 93 critical elements at 84 energy facilities. In addition, more than UAH 2.5 billion has been allocated for the purchase of high-power generators, primarily for frontline communities.
The head of the Ministry of Energy stressed that, along with anti-crisis solutions, it is important to lay the foundation for long-term sustainability. This involves decentralising the energy system, developing cogeneration for heat and electricity, installing solar power plants where it is effective, and creating storage capacities. Particular emphasis was placed on forming an energy shield for frontline communities so that key facilities could operate autonomously.
Shmyhal also stressed the importance of European integration, cooperation with international partners, community investment in housing and utilities, and investment in people through vocational education and business engagement.
