Ukraine receives Japanese high-power autotransformers to provide power for 500,000 civilians

UNDP and Japan delivered high-power autotransformers to Ukraine, ensuring over half a million people unbroken energy supplies.

High-power transformers are essential components of power substations, which regulate electricity voltage in transmission lines

What is the problem?

Russian troops regularly and purposefully attacked Ukraine's energy facilities last fall and winter, including thermal and hydroelectric power plants and stations.

Over the 500 days of the great war, half of Ukraine's energy sector has suffered from Russian shelling, and 271 hits to energy facilities have been verified so far.

Last winter autotransformers were perhaps the biggest key target of the enemy. The Russians insidiously destroyed this equipment, which is critical for supplying electricity to Ukrainians. Replacing and manufacturing autotransformers takes time and money, and the need for them for the whole country is significant, emphasized Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

What is the solution?

High-power transformers, such as those UNDP is now delivering to Ukraine, are also critical for maintaining other essential utilities. The pumps need Energy to run, ensuring every household can access clean water and effective sewage systems. Moreover, during Ukraine's frigid winters, many Ukrainians need power to run electric heaters.

How does it work?

By providing Ukraine with autotransformers, UNDP also aims to shield families from the risks of unsafe water sources, potential sewage backups, and the dangers of resorting to hazardous heating methods.

Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori assured his country would continue supporting Ukrainians. He also said that two more transformers would arrive by the end of this year.

Also, with the assistance of the Japanese government, Ukraine will receive several more transformers through Romania, the diplomat said.

Japan strongly supports Ukraine in restoring the energy sector, supplying specialized equipment (backup power plants, generators of various capacities) needed to quickly restore the operation of damaged energy infrastructure.

As of September, 12 such cargoes with a total weight of over 113 tons were delivered to Ukraine. These included 256 units of backup power plants and related kits.

Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko has previously emphasized that enemy attacks on energy facilities will continue next winter.

Ukrainian intelligence has information that Russia is conducting reconnaissance activities against Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

UNDP's Energy Damage Assessment of June 2023 found that attacks on civilian infrastructure had slashed Ukraine's power generation capacity by around half (51%) of transmission capacity by 45% (with 42 out of 94 high-voltage transformers damaged or destroyed), necessitating the prioritization of investments in energy.