World Bank grants $200m to repair energy infrastructure in Ukraine

Damage in the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine (Image: Misu via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)

The World Bank has granted US$200 million in financing to Ukraine to repair energy infrastructure in the war-torn country.

The money will support emergency repairs to the electricity transmission and heating infrastructure by urgently procuring critical equipment.

During the autumn and winter months, more than 50% of Ukraine’s power infrastructure was damaged, resulting in power outages across the country and contributing to shortages of food, heating, and water.

Emergency electricity equipment to be procured with the new funding includes autotransformers, transmission transformers, switchgears and circuit breakers, relay protection devices and other equipment.

Emergency equipment for the heating infrastructure includes mobile heat-only boilers, mobile mini cogeneration units, as well as other equipment and parts to repair district heating networks.

The funds come via the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, with additional funding of up to $300 million envisaged to come from partners through grants and other contributions as the project expands its scope.

World Bank managing director of operations Anna Bjerde said, “Energy infrastructure has suffered $11 billion in damages over the last year and is one of the most critical areas where Ukraine needs urgent support.”