The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) handed over two high voltage auto transformers to the National Power Company UkrEnergo (NPC UkrEnergo). This assistance will enhance the reliability of Ukraine’s Integrated Power System and ensure its maintenance during this and following winters. While the auto transformers are already with UkrEnergo, the parties marked this significant moment with a handover ceremony.
The procurement and delivery of both auto transformers were funded by the U.S. Government through USAID and implemented through the USAID-funded Energy Security Project (ESP).
“We are grateful to our American partners who brilliantly resolved the technical difficulties of procuring and quickly delivering the autotransformers to Ukraine. These devices were among the main targets of Russia’s attacks last winter. The new auto transformers will allow UkrEnergo to significantly increase reliable power supply to Ukrainians and prevent overloading equipment already operating on the grid. This is an example of effective international assistance to our energy sector and a significant contribution of the United States to Ukrainian energy security,” said Chairman of the Management Board of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytskyi.
Ambassador of the United States of America to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink stated: “The United States’ wartime support to Ukraine helps keep critical infrastructure running despite Russia’s continuous airstrikes. The U.S. Government reaffirms its readiness to support National Power Company UkrEnergo by procuring high-tech equipment and more autotransformers to supply power to Ukrainian homes and businesses during this challenging winter, when Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy facilities.”
It takes close to a year to manufacture and deliver high-voltage autotransformers. Manufactured by Turkish company Best and Astor, the devices transform electric energy from high-voltage transmission grids to medium-voltage distribution grids. They are the key components of the main power infrastructure, increasing the reliability of power supply. To enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s energy system and ensure Ukrainians have electricity, the U.S. Agency for International Development has procured and will deliver to NPC Ukrenergo another 16 autotransformers.
Additional information
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, USAID has provided NPC Ukrenergo with high-voltage, IT, and personal protective equipment worth approximately $10 million. USAID, through its Energy Security Project, helps Ukrenergo enhance the physical protection of high voltage substations.
Since 2019, the USAID Energy Security Project has provided Ukrenergo with comprehensive technical and advisory assistance in integrating the Ukrainian power system into the ENTSO-E Continental European Network. In particular, the USAID Energy Security Project assisted Ukrenergo in implementing an essential list of technical measures to ensure compliance with ENTSO-E requirements and launch a market for ancillary services in Ukraine based on European principles. A joint study to increase the capacity of interconnectors is underway.