Ukraine to Receive Critical Equipment From Lithuanian Power Plant

Lithuanian energy company Ignitis Gamyba is stepping up to assist Ukraine by donating crucial equipment from the Vilnius Third Combined Heat and Power Plant (Vilnius CHP 3) to aid in the reconstruction of the country’s heavily damaged energy infrastructure.

The official handover is scheduled for July 15th, following a humanitarian aid agreement signed between Ignitis Gamyba and a Ukrainian electricity transmission system operator.

“This agreement allows us to significantly increase our humanitarian support for Ukraine,” stated Asta Sungailienė, CEO of Ignitis Gamyba. “The Vilnius CHP 3 equipment was specifically chosen due to its compatibility with Ukraine’s energy grid and its ability to meet the needs of the transmission system operator.”

While Vilnius CHP 3 was shut down in 2015 due to high operational costs and minimal impact on the Lithuanian electricity system, Sungailienė assured that the equipment, despite being inactive for nine years, remains fully functional.

“The plant, which once supplied heat to nearly half of Vilnius with a total capacity of nearly 1,000 MW, will now play a vital role in restoring essential infrastructure in Ukraine,” she added.

The humanitarian aid package encompasses over 300 essential pieces of equipment from Vilnius CHP 3. Notably, the most critical aspect is the swift delivery and integration into Ukraine’s energy grid.

“For security reasons, details regarding the specific equipment, capacities, or recipient power plants cannot be disclosed,” explained Sungailienė. “However, prioritizing the fastest possible delivery and connection to Ukraine’s energy system is paramount during this critical time.”

Ignitis Gamyba plans to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine in multiple phases, ensuring the critical equipment arrives before the demand for electricity rises.

Sweden also is among the countries that delivered significant aid in supporting Ukraine’s energy sector. The Swedish government announced a contribution of 650 million Swedish kronor (over $61 million) to support energy supply for critical infrastructure across Ukraine.

On June 27, In Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda signed an agreement on cooperation in security and long-term support between Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania.