Newly appointed Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has stated that his key task in office will be to overcome the acute phase of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s constant attacks on energy infrastructure as quickly as possible.
In a post on social media, Shmyhal noted that Ukraine is fighting an exhausting battle for light and heat for the fourth winter in a row, while Russia is trying every day to destroy the energy system and provoke a humanitarian catastrophe. He stressed that he considers it a special responsibility to head the Ministry of Energy and at the same time assume the powers of First Deputy Prime Minister.
According to Shmyhal, decisions in the energy sector must be made in an expedited manner, with enhanced coordination between all responsible structures, the formation of a unified action plan, and faster distribution of scarce resources.
The minister identified three key priorities for his work. The first is restoration. This involves the repair and reconstruction of power generation facilities, substations and distribution networks, the formation of a reserve of equipment and capacity, the creation of special energy units in frontline territories, the introduction of additional payments for energy workers and repair crews, the restoration of gas production, gas distribution stations and pipelines, as well as the attraction of additional international assistance and support for communities that cannot cope with these tasks on their own.
The second priority is the stability of the energy system. It involves expanding projects to install electronic warfare and air defence systems with the participation of energy companies, continuing the construction of protective structures for energy facilities, and developing decentralised generation.
Shmyhal named modernisation as the third priority. Planned steps include the development of new deposits, attracting investment and public-private partnerships, launching the ‘Single Bill’ digital application, completing Ukraine’s integration into the European energy space, modernising power lines on the border with the EU, and building new interconnectors.
In conclusion, the minister emphasised that despite the difficult situation, the energy system continues to function, and thanked the energy workers, utility workers, engineers, and repair crews who restore light and heat to Ukrainians every day.