Kyiv, 21 November 2025 – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have launched a new US$ 14.05 million initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience and support the country’s transition toward clean, decentralized energy.

The four-year project, titled “Accelerating the Energy Decentralization and Green Transformation in Ukraine,” will be implemented from 2025 to 2028 in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. 

Ukraine’s energy system has suffered unprecedented destruction during the war, with nearly 70 percent of generation capacity destroyed or damaged. Millions of people across the country have faced prolonged blackouts, affecting hospitals, schools, water systems, and other essential services. The new KOICA-funded project aims to address these urgent challenges by supporting renewable energy solutions that enhance local resilience and reduce dependence on centralized infrastructure in frontline and war-affected regions.

Under the initiative, UNDP and KOICA will conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy solutions in 20 pilot hromadas across Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Kherson oblasts. At least 100,000 residents will directly benefit from new renewable energy installations, while approximately 1.5 million people will be covered by technical assessments that pave the way for future green investments. Around 1,800 local officials and energy specialists will also receive training to strengthen municipal capacity for planning, managing, and maintaining decentralized energy systems. 

The project directly supports Ukraine’s National Energy Strategy 2050, the National Energy and Climate Plan, and the Government’s long-term goal of expanding renewable energy to improve energy independence and accelerate EU-aligned green transformation. It also aligns with KOICA’s global commitment to climate-resilient development and green Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The launch of this initiative reinforces the strong development cooperation between KOICA and UNDP in Ukraine and contributes to broader international efforts to support the country’s recovery, modernization, and sustainable energy future.

Lee Taekkeun, Country Director of KOICA in Ukraine, highlighted that international partnerships are key to fostering sustainable recovery and inclusive development.

“Through this initiative, we aim to safeguard essential services, ensuring that communities can withstand the volatility of war,” Lee said. “KOICA is proud to work with UNDP to empower local communities with the knowledge, tools, and technical support needed to implement clean energy projects, so they can build a greener, more climate-resilient Ukraine.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, noted that accelerating Ukraine’s transition to decentralized, clean energy is a long-term investment in stronger, more resilient communities. 

“For millions of Ukrainians, stable power means survival, Lootsma said. “By accelerating the shift to decentralized, clean energy, we ensure that critical services – like healthcare and water supply – remain operational, even under fire. However, this initiative with KOICA also moves beyond emergency repairs to fundamentally strengthen energy resilience across the most affected oblasts. It’s an investment in a greener and more secure energy future for Ukraine.”

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