Norway to provide over NOK 1 billion to secure electricity in Ukraine

Russia is attempting to undermine Ukrainian resilience by bombing power plants and other critical infrastructure. According to new estimates, more than 50 % of Ukraine’s power production capacity has been destroyed.

Dialogue with Ukraine

Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy supply have made energy security a core issue in Ukraine as well as one of the main areas of focus under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine established by Norway. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Norway has provided billions of kroner to enable Ukraine to purchase gas, repair critical infrastructure and maintain operation of the country’s energy companies.   

Norway will now provide an additional NOK 1.1 billion in funding to help Ukraine to rebuild critical infrastructure.

‘We are in close dialogue with Ukraine on how it can use these funds most effectively. The Ukrainians themselves have the best insight into what is needed. But it is important to begin infrastructure repair efforts quickly, before winter arrives. Norway hopes this new funding will make it possible to alleviate some of the damage and secure electricity in Ukraine,’ Mr Støre said.

Electricity to hospitals

It has already been determined that NOK 120 million will be channelled via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These funds will be used to repair energy infrastructure providing electricity to the Kharkiv area, which has been particularly hard hit by Russian attacks this spring. The damage to power plants and grid installations has been severe.     

‘This funding will help, among other things, to ensure a stable electricity supply to maternity units and operating theatres at 7 hospitals in the Kharkiv area. In some cases, access to electricity can mean the difference between life and death,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

‘Today there are reports that the people of Kharkiv must limit their use of electricity at night, even during the warmest month of the year. Just imagine how it will be when winter comes. Winters in Ukraine are cold and harsh, and it will be crucial for people to have access to adequate power and heating,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Summit on Peace

This weekend the Prime Minister is attending the international Summit on Peace in Ukraine. The summit is being organised by Switzerland in response to a request from President Zelensky. Discussions at the summit will focus primarily on nuclear security, food security and the return of deported children, other civilians and prisoners of war.   

Norway is actively involved in efforts related to the 10 points set out in the Ukrainian Peace Formula that President Zelensky put forward in the autumn of 2022. Norway has taken on special responsibility for two of the points, one of which is energy security.

‘As an energy nation, Norway is well-positioned to support Ukraine in this area. That is why we have given priority under the Nansen Support Programme to efforts to secure stable access to power for the Ukrainian people,’ said Prime Minister Støre.   

The Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine will provide NOK 75 billion in civilian and military support over a five-year period, from 2023 to 2027. Funding is allocated each year in line with Ukraine’s needs. Last year, Norway provided NOK 1.9 billion in support to Ukraine’s energy sector under the programme.

Nuclear security threat

Norway has worked closely with the Ukrainian nuclear safety authorities for many years. The ways in which energy security and nuclear security are closely intertwined are very evident in Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has outlined seven pillars of nuclear safety and security in conflict situations. Pillar 4 states that all nuclear sites must have a secure off-site power supply from the grid.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has lost external power eight times since February 2022. All nuclear power plants have contingency plans for power failures, but it becomes increasingly challenging to follow these over time in a country that is at war, where the power grid is compromised. Without cooling, the fuel in the reactors or fuel storage units will gradually overheat and begin to melt, a situation that could lead to radioactive emissions.  

‘Nuclear power stations require a secure power supply for cooling, so Russia’s attacks on the power system also pose a threat to nuclear safety in Ukraine and Europe. International support to safeguard nuclear security and energy security in Ukraine should be linked together more effectively,’ said Foreign Minister Eide.