Japan to supply Ukraine with batch of large-scale energy equipment
The government of Japan will provide Ukraine with seven high-voltage autotransformers and five gas turbines to assist the energy sector, according to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine.
The autotransformers were purchased with funds from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and thanks to the efforts of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this large-scale energy equipment will be delivered to Ukraine, RBC-Ukraine reports.
The gas turbines acquired by Tokyo will be provided to Ukrainians through UNDP and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The purchase and transfer of equipment were announced during the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yōko Kamikawa, to Ukraine.
"The people and the government of Japan highly appreciate the resilience of the Ukrainian nation and wish to be a reliable partner for Ukraine in these challenging times. We plan to announce the provision of two additional autotransformers through UNDP soon for the efficient and uninterrupted operation of the power grid," said Kamikawa.
The equipment provided by Japan, according to the Ministry of Energy, will ensure uninterrupted power supply to over 6 million Ukrainians, especially in areas affected by targeted Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
In addition to gas turbines and autotransformers, the Government of Japan and UNDP have already provided 1200 generators and 1000 power units to state institutions and emergency services in Ukraine, as well as 500 generators and 6 mobile power supply vehicles through JICA.
Japan's assistance to Ukraine
On January 7, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yōko Kamikawa, arrived in Kyiv. She met with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, visited Bucha and Irpin.
During a briefing with Kuleba, the minister announced that Japan has allocated $37 million for drone detection systems for Ukraine. The funds will be directed to NATO's trust fund.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also met with the head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry. He noted that Tokyo has provided a significant package of energy assistance to Ukraine.