Kyiv, 20 May 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, has delivered three high-power autotransformers to the National Power Company “Ukrenergo” (NPC “Ukrenergo”). 

This equipment – two units funded by the Government of Japan and one by the Government of Sweden – will not only help stabilize the national grid, but also ensure that millions of Ukrainians have a more reliable access to electricity, heating, and essential services.

This help comes at a crucial time, as Ukraine’s energy sector continues to face unprecedented challenges due to Russia’s attacks. According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), over $20 billions of direct damage to energy and extractives has been caused since the full-scale invasion. According to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine over 63,000 energy facilities have been damaged since 2022.

Autotransformers, which are vital for maintaining the stability of Ukraine’s power grid, have been frequently targeted, making their replacement a strategic priority. Each unit delivered weighs over 230 tons, measures more than 10 meters in length, and stands over 3 meters tall, making it a highly complex piece of equipment not only to manufacture, but also to transport.

Prior to the official handover ceremony, H.E. Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, Ms. Martina Quick, Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Sweden to Ukraine, and representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and UNDP in Ukraine visited a high-voltage substation to witness firsthand the damage sustained, and observe the operation of one of the first autotransformers provided through international support.

H.E. German Galushchenko, Minister of Energy of Ukraine, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “Today, we see a strong demonstration of solidarity from the governments and people of Sweden and Japan,” Galushchenko said. “We’re grateful to our partners and UNDP for providing this critical high-voltage equipment, which will help stabilize our power grid and ensure reliable electricity for homes, hospitals, schools, and essential services.”

H.E. Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, emphasized Japan’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s energy resilience and recovery. 

“Since 2022, Japan has stood firmly with Ukraine, delivering critical energy equipment, including gas turbines, autotransformers, and cogeneration units,” Nakagome said. “Today’s handover of two additional autotransformers — expected to secure stable electricity supply to 3.7 million people — brings the total reach of Japan’s energy assistance to over 9 million Ukrainians. The Government of Japan, through UNDP and JICA, remains committed to supporting Ukraine's energy sector. We will continue working together to rebuild a more resilient and sustainable energy system for Ukraine.”

Martina Quick, Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Sweden to Ukraine, underscored Sweden’s unwavering support to the people of Ukraine. 

“Sweden has committed over U.S. $43 million through our partnership with UNDP to help restore critical energy infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast, and the cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and other heavily affected communities,” Quick said.  “This effort goes beyond rebuilding power systems – it’s a matter of supporting recovery and strengthening essential services. Sweden stands with Ukraine, as we work together toward a green and secure recovery.” 

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis emphasized the role of international partnerships in advancing Ukraine’s energy sector transition toward a resilient, and decarbonized grid.

“This delivery marks a vital step in strengthening Ukraine’s energy infrastructure at a time of unprecedented challenge,” Politis said. “Today, together with Japan and Sweden, UNDP marks a milestone in restoring high-voltage transmission capacity and securing stable electricity for over 5.5 million people. But beyond meeting urgent needs, we’re laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-proof energy system.”

Oleksii Brekht, Acting Chairman of NPC “Ukrenergo,” also acknowledged the sustained international assistance from Ukraine’s partners.

“Autotransformers are critical to the operation of electric power transmission system,” Brekht said. “Over three years of the full-scale war, Russia has carried out more than 45 large-scale attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of equipment, including autotransformers. We’re sincerely grateful to the Governments of Japan and Sweden, and to UNDP, for their ongoing support – it’s thanks to this partnership that we can continue restoring our energy infrastructure and ensuring stability for millions of Ukrainians.”

Background: 

The UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine, supported by international partners, addresses Ukraine’s urgent energy needs during the ongoing attacks on critical energy infrastructure. It focuses on two main priorities: ensuring the continuous operation of critical energy infrastructure and production capacities, and implementing strategic actions to accelerate the transition to green energy, particularly through a decentralized energy generation system. 

The activities of the Green Energy Recovery Programme in Ukraine are funded by the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Norway, France, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org