Ministry of Energy: Japan, Sweden, and UNDP provide Ukraine with three high-capacity autotransformers to support stable electricity supply

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in close partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, has delivered three high-voltage autotransformers to NPC Ukrenergo. This equipment – two autotransformers funded by the Government of Japan and one by the Government of Sweden – will help maintain the stability of Ukraine’s energy system.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy Oleksandr Pavlichenko, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis, Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome, Sweden’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine Martina Quick, and Acting Chairman of NPC Ukrenergo Oleksii Brekht.

Prior to the handover, the delegation visited a critical infrastructure site to witness firsthand the damage inflicted and to inspect the operation of one of the initial autotransformers provided through international support.

“Since the onset of russia’s full-scale invasion, our energy infrastructure, including autotransformers critical to stable electricity supply, has been deliberately targeted. The delivery of three high-voltage autotransformers to NPC Ukrenergo is a vital contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience. We are grateful to our Japanese and Swedish partners, as well as UNDP, for this support. This equipment will ensure uninterrupted electricity for millions of consumers, including households, nurseries, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Energy German Galushchenko.

Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, Masashi Nakagome, emphasised Japan’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s energy resilience and recovery. According to him, since 2022, Japan had consistently supported Ukraine by supplying essential energy equipment, such as gas turbines, gas-piston generator units, and autotransformers. The handover of two additional autotransformers will enable Japan to help Ukrainians gain more reliable access to electricity. Japan remains committed to supporting Ukraine and, in collaboration with UNDP, is contributing to keeping homes warm, hospitals operational, and communities on a path to a dignified recovery.

Sweden’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine, Martina Quick, highlighted Sweden’s unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. According to her, Sweden has provided over USD 43 million through partnership with UNDP to help restore critical energy infrastructure in affected communities. These efforts are not only about rebuilding the energy system but also about strengthening essential services and laying the foundation for long-term resilience. Sweden stands with Ukraine, alongside Japan and the international community, in a shared commitment to a green and secure recovery.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis underscored the importance of international partnerships in accelerating Ukraine’s energy sector transition to a sustainable, resilient, and decarbonised system. According to him, this delivery marks a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during unprecedented challenges. Today, alongside Japan and Sweden, UNDP celebrates a key milestone in restoring Ukraine’s high-voltage electricity transmission system and ensuring stable power supply for millions. Beyond addressing immediate needs, the groundwork is being laid for a sustainable energy system that meets future demands.

Oleksii Brekht, Acting Chairman of NPC Ukrenergo, also highlighted the importance of ongoing international support: “Autotransformers are critical to the integrity of Ukraine’s high-voltage electricity transmission system. Over the past three years, russia has launched multiple attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. We are deeply grateful to the governments of Japan and Sweden, as well as UNDP, for their steadfast support – thanks to this partnership, our energy workers can continue restoring our energy infrastructure.”

Background

Previously, the Government of Japan and UNDP provided Ukraine with high-capacity gas turbines, autotransformers, and gas-piston cogeneration units, further supporting the restoration of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

With USD 43.6 million in funding from Sweden, UNDP is restoring critical energy infrastructure in war-affected regions of Ukraine, providing heat and electricity to over 2.5 million people while supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable and decentralised energy system.