German Galushchenko discusses support for Ukraine’s energy recovery with French presidential envoy Pierre Heilbronn

Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko met with Pierre Heilbronn, Special Envoy of the President of France for Ukraine’s relief and reconstruction.

The Energy Minister thanked France for its support to Ukraine’s energy sector in the form of energy equipment, which had helped to restore critical infrastructure facilities that continued to be subject to russian attacks. French support for the restoration of energy infrastructure of the frontier Chernihiv region is particularly important. In total, since March 2022, Ukraine has received 29 shipments of humanitarian aid from France, totalling some 240 tonnes, including generators, power transformers and other necessary equipment.

German Galushchenko informed the Envoy about the largest repair campaign in the history of Ukraine, which is being carried out on the affected energy infrastructure facilities. In preparation for the next heating season, generation facilities and transmission systems are being restored, and work is underway to strengthen the physical protection of energy infrastructure. Given the enemy’s tactics, it is predicted that next winter will also see attacks on the power system, so partners will need to help stockpile power equipment.

The parties also discussed areas of cooperation in the energy sector in the medium and long term. German Galushchenko stressed Ukraine’s interest in learning from France’s experience in developing renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. Cooperation on hydrogen and biotechnology is also promising.

“The Ukrainian energy sector will be restored with the introduction of innovative developments and technologies. We do not want to rebuild the thermal power plants damaged by the enemy using the technologies of the past. On the contrary, today we have the opportunity to accelerate the energy transition, develop green technologies, decentralise generation and strengthen our energy system. We look forward to working with our French partners to achieve our goals and invite companies to implement joint investment projects,” the Minister said.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in the nuclear industry, including the development and implementation of modern small modular reactor technologies.

The parties underlined the need to ensure nuclear and radiation safety on the continent, highlighting the threat posed by the russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. They stressed the need for the earliest possible de-occupation and demilitarisation of the facility, as well as the development by the international community of new mechanisms to protect nuclear facilities in the context of military operations.