The International Energy Agency (IEA) called on Ukraine’s partners to support the country to protect the electricity and heating supply in a report issued on Thursday.
The IEA report warned that the coming winter could be the hardest yet for the embattled nation.
As Russia ramps up its attacks on Ukrainian power plants, heating plants and transmission networks, the country’s energy infrastructure is under significant pressure, the IEA noted.
“Strains that are bearable in the summer months may become unbearable when temperatures start to fall and supplies of heat and water falter, triggering further displacement of affected populations across the country and abroad,” the energy agency said.
The power supply to hospitals, schools and other essential facilities could be further impaired in winter, and the heating supply to major Ukrainian cities is at risk, the IEA said.
Ukraine’s partners must improve the protection of energy infrastructure against attacks and cyberattacks, expedite the delivery of spare parts for repairs, decentralize the power supply and increase the capacity for electricity and gas imports from the European Union, it recommended.
Measures must be designed to lay the foundation for a modern, resilient and sustainable Ukrainian energy system that is integrated into Europe, according to the IEA.
“The Ukrainian energy system has withstood the last 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 its hardest test yet,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
The IEA’s assistance measures, if implemented swiftly and effectively, could make a significant difference, Birol said.
