The primary task of the Ministry of Energy is to restore power generation, substations, and distribution networks, as well as to build reserves of capacity and equipment. This was emphasized by Denys Shmyhal, the newly appointed head of the Ministry of Energy.
On 14 January, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the appointment of Denys Shmyhal as First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Energy of Ukraine.
“We must strengthen coordination among all responsible stakeholders, develop a unified action plan, and accelerate the distribution of scarce resources,” Denys Shmyhal stated.
As Minister of Energy, he outlined three key priorities:
- Restoration
This includes restoring power generation, substations, and distribution networks, as well as forming reserves of capacity and equipment.
“It is necessary to establish so-called ‘energy battalions’ in frontline areas – teams of specialists equipped with the necessary machinery and reliable protection. Additional compensation should be introduced for energy workers and repair crews,” Denys Shmyhal said following his appointment.
He also stressed the need to resume gas production, rebuild damaged gas distribution stations and pipelines, create backup gas supply schemes for critical consumers, and enhance the reliability of gas storage facilities.
According to Denys Shmyhal, the Ministry of Energy will work to attract additional international assistance and financing, and to support cities and communities that lack the capacity to address these challenges independently.
- Sustainability
Denys Shmyhal emphasized that strengthening both active and passive protection of energy facilities will be a key focus.
This includes expanding projects to deploy electronic warfare and air defense systems in cooperation with energy companies, constructing protective infrastructure for energy assets, and advancing decentralized generation.
- Modernization
“Energy will be one of the foundations of economic growth and Ukraine’s integration into the European Union. The potential is significant, and it must be used wisely,” Denys Shmyhal noted.
He highlighted the importance of completing integration into the European energy market, continuing the modernization of cross-border power lines with the EU, increasing transformer capacity, and developing new interconnectors.
Additional priorities include the development of new oil and gas fields, attracting investment, and advancing public-private partnerships. Plans also envisage the launch of a digital application, the “Single Bill,” aimed at improving services, access to information, and feedback mechanisms.
“The situation remains difficult, but the system is functioning. I would like to thank energy workers, utility personnel, engineers, and all repair teams – everyone who restores light and heat every day,” the First Deputy Prime Minister concluded.
