The General Director of Ukrhydroenergo, Ihor Syrota, met with the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa. Also present at the meeting were Natalia Boyko, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, and Vitaliy Kushnirov, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Company.
The main topic of the meeting was discussing the Italian side's support for the restoration of Ukrainian hydroelectric power stations as part of a credit agreement between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Italian Government. This agreement allocates €200 million for the restoration of Ukrhydroenergo’s hydroelectric stations, which were damaged due to missile strikes.
Ihor Syrota expressed gratitude to the ambassador for the support of the energy sector, stating:
“Rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure is critically important for ensuring our country’s energy security. We value the support of countries that help us during these difficult times.”
The Italian Ambassador confirmed Italy's readiness to provide financial support to Ukrainian hydroelectric power stations and pumped storage plants damaged by numerous strikes from Russia.
“We understand the importance of this infrastructure for Ukraine and are impressed by the heroism of Ukrainian energy workers who continue to operate under extraordinary challenges. We will actively support the implementation of recovery projects,” said Carlo Formosa.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and identified priority areas for joint energy projects.
It is worth noting that on February 17, 2024, an important Guarantee Agreement was signed between Ukraine, the EBRD, and the Italian Government, aimed at supporting the “Emergency Restoration of Hydroelectric Stations” project. The document was signed by Italian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. On the same day, a credit agreement was concluded between Ukrhydroenergo and the EBRD.
The goal of this project is to restore the energy infrastructure of Ukraine damaged due to Russia's military aggression, which is crucial for the stability of the national energy system and ensuring the country’s energy security. The credit funds will be used for the supply and installation of necessary equipment for two hydroelectric stations, as well as for supporting the continuous operation of Ukrhydroenergo, which operates all major hydroelectric stations in the country.
