Latvia to Support Ukraine’s Energy System with Decommissioned Power Plants

Latvia is bolstering its support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by providing decommissioned power plants to aid in the rapid restoration of Ukraine’s energy facilities. This initiative comes as Ukraine continues to face ongoing attacks targeting its energy grid, even as temperatures begin to rise.

Latvia’s Commitment to Ukraine’s Energy Security

Ukrainian Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko announced that agreements have been reached with partners during a recent Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting to transfer equipment from decommissioned European plants. Ukrainian technical teams have already inspected facilities in Latvia, Austria, and Germany. [Source: Pravda.com.ua]

Specifically, the Riga CHP in Latvia has been decommissioned and is slated for dismantling, with its units being repurposed to repair several Ukrainian CHPs. Ukrainian specialists are currently evaluating two coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) in Germany and two combined heat and power plants in Austria. Several other Eastern European countries are also prepared to contribute decommissioned coal or gas plants.

Addressing the Ongoing Threat to Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

Despite forecasts suggesting potential stabilization of the energy system in April due to rising temperatures and the conclude of the heating season, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has warned that Russia will likely continue targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. [Source: President.gov.ua]

In response, the Ukrainian government, in collaboration with regional authorities, has begun preparations for the next heating season. The National Security and Defense Council recently approved resilience plans for all regions and regional cities, with the exception of Kyiv, which was granted additional time to finalize its detailed plans.

Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience

Ukraine has already installed second-level passive protection at the majority of its substations. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal noted the effectiveness of concrete sarcophagi in withstanding numerous attacks.

Latvia’s Broader Support for Ukraine

This energy support is part of a larger commitment from Latvia to Ukraine. On April 11, 2024, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement on long-term support and security commitments. [Source: MFA.gov.lv] This agreement includes Latvia’s commitment to provide military support amounting to 0.25% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2026, as well as EUR 5 million annually for Ukraine’s reconstruction until 2026. Latvia also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. [Source: Pravda.com.ua]

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current President of Ukraine, assumed office in May 2019. [Source: Wikipedia]