On July 15 in Vilnius, four Lithuanian companies—Amber Grid, Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius (ESO), Ignitis Production, and Tetas—signed agreements to supply humanitarian aid to Ukraine. These agreements outline measures to help rebuild the war-torn country’s energy infrastructure. The planned humanitarian aid from these and other Lithuanian energy companies is estimated to exceed €50 million in market value.
Since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale war against Ukraine, the energy infrastructure has been a primary target for missile and drone attacks. This year alone, there have been eight significant attacks on energy facilities. Currently, Ukraine faces a 1.6 GW electricity deficit, leaving some residents without consistent access to the power grid and a virtually destroyed heating system. According to Ukrainian data, the damage to this sector already amounts to €11 billion.
“We have signed an agreement to increase our company’s humanitarian aid to war-torn Ukraine. We specifically chose TE-3 equipment because it not only suits Ukraine’s energy infrastructure but also meets the expressed needs of the electricity grid operator,” said Asta Sungailienė, CEO of Ignitis Production.
Ignitis Production is transferring equipment from Vilnius’ 3rd thermal power plant (TE-3). For over 30 years, this plant, with a combined heat and power capacity of nearly 1000 MW, supplied heat to about half of Vilnius households. The main operations of TE-3 were halted in 2015 due to high operating costs.
Lithuanian gas transmission system operator Amber Grid will provide a humanitarian aid package to Ukraine’s energy sector, including five generators and ten pipeline reinforcement sleeves.
“We understand the challenges faced by Ukraine’s energy sector and the professionals working there. Damage to specifically targeted energy facilities during the war threatens the supply of heat and electricity to residents and businesses,” said Nemunas Biknius. According to the Amber Grid CEO, aid to Ukraine is selected and allocated based on the needs and priorities indicated by the Ukrainians themselves.
The pipeline reinforcement sleeves and generators will assist in the restoration of Ukraine’s war-damaged energy facilities, reduce disaster risks, and help prepare for and recover from energy emergencies.
ESO will supply over two hundred transformers.
“The signed agreement allows us to expand our support and continuously provide the necessary equipment to help Ukraine’s energy sector function. We have been supplying aid since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, providing equipment that local specialists can quickly connect to the existing system,” said ESO CEO Renaldas Radvila. According to him, as Lithuania rapidly modernizes its electricity distribution network, some equipment is no longer used but can be quickly and reliably integrated into Ukraine’s energy system.
To support the functioning of energy infrastructure under war conditions and meet essential needs, Tetas plans to donate 7296 solar panels and 17 voltage converters to Ukraine.
“After assessing the request from our Ukrainian colleagues, we prepared a humanitarian aid package for war-affected Ukraine, whose energy infrastructure is continuously being destroyed. We are providing equipment for solar power plants to ensure that our fraternal country’s residents and businesses have access to electricity,” said Ramūnas Papinigis, CEO of Tetas.
Since the beginning of the large-scale war in Ukraine, our energy companies have been assisting their colleagues. During this period, the aid provided to the war-torn country’s energy sector amounts to €13.4 million.
