The International Energy Agency (IEA) called on Ukraine’s partners to support the country in protecting its electricity and heat supplies in a report published on Thursday.
The IEA report warned that the coming winter could be the worst yet for the beleaguered country.
As Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian power plants, thermal plants and transmission networks, the country’s energy infrastructure is under severe strain, the IEA said.
“Stress that is bearable during the summer months can become unbearable when temperatures drop and heat and water supplies fail, leading to further displacement of affected populations within the country and beyond,” the energy agency said.
According to the IEA, power supplies to hospitals, schools and other essential services could be further hampered in the winter and heating supplies to major Ukrainian cities are at risk.
Ukraine’s partners should improve the protection of energy infrastructure from attacks and cyberattacks, accelerate the supply of spare parts for repairs, decentralise energy supply and increase the capacity to import electricity and gas from the European Union, the recommendation said.
According to the IEA, measures should be designed to lay the foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable Ukrainian energy system integrated with Europe.
“Ukraine’s energy system has weathered the past two winters thanks to the resilience, courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people and the immense solidarity of their international partners. But this winter will be by far the toughest test yet,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
According to Birol, the IEA’s support measures, if implemented quickly and effectively, could make a big difference.
