Ukraine and Moldova in energy crisis, EUR 2 billion in winter aid

Ukraine and Moldova are facing a critical winter due to the destruction of their energy infrastructures. The International Energy Agency is calling for urgent action to guarantee their energy security in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Partagez:

Ukraine and Moldova are at a critical juncture in their energy security as winter approaches. The massive destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, caused by ongoing hostilities, raises major concerns about these countries’ ability to cope with severe weather conditions.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is sounding the alarm, calling for an urgent mobilization of Western nations to support these two countries in their struggle to maintain energy supplies.
IEA Director General Fatih Birol points out that Ukraine’s energy system has already been put to the test over the last two winters, but that the current situation represents an unprecedented challenge.
At a press briefing in Brussels, he says: “This winter will be, by far, its most severe test to date.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will be in Kiev to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, insists that more aid is needed to ensure that Ukrainians can stay warm and that electricity continues to flow.

Financial assistance and energy infrastructure

The European Union has announced a further 160 million euros in support for humanitarian aid and energy infrastructure, bringing the total to 2 billion euros since the start of the invasion.
This funding is aimed at boosting energy production capacity, in particular through the installation of solar panels.
However, the IEA warns that the planned cessation of Russian gas transit to Ukraine at the end of 2024 could also have serious repercussions for Moldova, which relies heavily on Russian gas supplies.
Ukraine has lost more than two-thirds of its power generation capacity since the start of the conflict, making the situation even more precarious.
The IEA proposes several solutions to repair damaged infrastructure, including the rapid delivery of equipment and spare parts.
The agency also calls for an increase in electricity and gas import capacity from the European Union, stressing the importance of enhanced cooperation between European countries.

Demand forecasts and repair requirements

IEA forecasts indicate that electricity demand in Ukraine could reach 18.5 gigawatts (GW) during peak periods this winter, while the country could be short of 6 GW of generating capacity.
This shortfall is equivalent to Denmark’s total consumption at peak demand.
In addition, damage to thermal and electrical power plants, as well as to district heating infrastructures, is estimated at $2.4 billion.
Moldova, although less exposed to bombing, faces similar challenges.
It depends on Russia for two-thirds of its electricity supply, making it vulnerable to the uncertainty associated with the cessation of gas transit.
The IEA notes that strengthening interconnections with European countries is crucial to Moldova’s energy security.
Construction of new high-voltage lines between Moldova and Romania is underway, but completion is not imminent.

Short-term solutions and outlook

To cope with the urgency of the situation, the IEA recommends that Ukraine rely on diesel generators and stocks of firewood for this winter.
These temporary solutions are essential to guarantee a minimum of comfort and energy security for the population.
However, they are no substitute for a long-term strategy to modernize and diversify energy sources.
The IEA also stresses the importance of reinforcing the physical and IT security of critical infrastructures, in particular by installing anti-drone protection.
Before the invasion, Ukraine relied mainly on nuclear energy for its power generation, but the current situation calls for a reassessment of energy priorities and a diversification of supply sources.
The challenges facing Ukraine and Moldova this winter illustrate the crucial importance of international cooperation in the field of energy security.
The efforts of the European Union and other international players will be crucial in helping these countries overcome this crisis.
The current situation is a reminder that energy resilience is a strategic issue that requires sustained attention and concerted action at all levels.

Egypt’s Electricity Minister engages in new talks with Envision Group, Windey, LONGi, China Energy, PowerChina, and ToNGWEI to boost local industry and attract investments in renewable energy.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz places Gulf producers under intense pressure, highlighting their diplomatic and logistical limitations as a blockage threatens 20 million daily barrels of hydrocarbons destined for global markets.
Budapest and Bratislava jointly reject the European Commission's proposal to ban Russian energy supplies, highlighting significant economic risks and a direct threat to their energy security, days ahead of a key meeting.
Libya officially contests Greece's allocation of offshore oil permits, exacerbating regional tensions over disputed maritime areas south of Crete, rich in hydrocarbons and contested by several Mediterranean states.
Hungary, supported by Slovakia, strongly expresses opposition to the European Commission's plan to phase out imports of Russian energy resources, citing major economic and energy impacts for Central Europe.
Israeli military strikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear site destroyed critical electrical infrastructure but did not reach strategic underground facilities, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The French president travels to Nuuk on 15 June to support Greenlandic sovereignty, review energy projects and respond to recent US pressure, according to the Élysée.
Kazakhstan has selected Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation to build two nuclear power plants totaling 2.4 GW, a decision following a favorable referendum and coinciding with Xi Jinping’s upcoming strategic visit.
Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites disrupt US-Iranian talks on the nuclear deal. Tehran now considers canceling the upcoming negotiation round in Oman, heightening regional economic concerns.
Facing alarming breaches of uranium enrichment thresholds by Iran and explicit existential threats, Israel launches targeted military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, escalating regional tensions dramatically.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin aims to help resolve the nuclear dispute between the United States and Iran, leveraging strengthened strategic ties with Tehran.
President Lee Jae-myung adopts an energy diplomacy rooted in national interest, amid a complex international landscape of rivalries that could create challenging situations for the country and its energy businesses.
Paris and Warsaw held a bilateral workshop in Warsaw to strengthen coordination on electricity infrastructure investments and supply security under the Nancy Treaty.
Donald Trump firmly rejects any uranium enrichment by Iran, while Russia affirms Tehran’s right to civil nuclear power, intensifying tensions in negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program.
Syria has signed a $7bn agreement with a consortium of companies from Qatar, Turkey and the United States to rebuild its national power sector.
Friedrich Merz confirmed that Germany would block any attempt to relaunch the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, despite internal calls suggesting a potential reopening of dialogue with Moscow.
A memorandum of understanding formalises energy cooperation between the European Union and the Latin American Energy Organization, including permanent EU participation in the organisation’s governance bodies.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Hungary would oppose the EU's plan to ban Russian energy deliveries by 2027, both legally and politically.
Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of Saxony, proposed restarting dialogue with Russia on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, despite clear opposition from the German government to any reactivation of the project.
Donald Trump is calling on the United Kingdom to abandon wind energy in favor of revitalizing offshore oil extraction, sparking debate over the economic and political implications of such an energy strategy after their recent trade agreement.