Ukraine’s Energy Crisis: Government Strategies and Humanitarian Impacts

11 Nov 2024

Thematic Report

Photo: UNDP

Executive Summary

A series of missile and drone attacks have curtailed Ukraine’s power generation capacity, and the country’s energy grid is underequipped for meeting the country’s wintertime power needs. Winter electricity availability remains uncertain, with potential outages ranging from 4 to 18 hours daily, depending on weather conditions, the intensity of Russian attacks, the speed with which repairs can carried out (complicated by Russia’s use of cluster munitions), the availability of imported energy, and the operational status of nuclear plants. 

The government's coping strategy is focused on immediate needs as well as long-term solutions. Repairing thermal power generation and transmission systems is a priority. Long-range plans include enhancing nuclear power by adding two new units to the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant and stepping up decentralized power generation.

Key systemic challenges include repairing and physically protecting power equipment, including transmission systems for nuclear power, developing decentralized capacity, and maintaining grid stability.  

The Ukraine Crisis Analysis Team is producing a four-part series on the energy crisis in Ukraine. This initial report provides an overview of the crisis and looks at steps the Ukrainian government is taking to address it. It also examines the impact on public utilities and the health sector. The report recommends areas where further support is needed. Subsequent reports in the series will examine the impact of the energy crisis on small and medium enterprises, the agricultural sector, and renewable energy options going forward.