In my blog last September, I noted the emergence of a driver for the development of the Ukrainian energy system - the development of distributed generation, especially for the heat supply sector. In my opinion, this driver can be associated with USAID PEB.
USAID Energy Security Project (ESP) declared the goal of providing electricity and heat to Ukrainians during the coming winter, for this it began close cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities, communities, cities, and specialized businesses. The main task is guaranteed ‼️fast ‼️implementation of projects for the installation of low and medium power cogeneration plants (the first tactical step)
In connection with the above, USAID PEB had to purchase 41 small cogeneration units and was looking for another 28, medium-sized cogeneration units. They will be able to uninterruptedly supply heat to more than 900,000 consumers and almost 1,000 social facilities.
What is it really... ❓Winter is already in its second month, and the goal, unfortunately, has become a promise...
I would like to draw your attention to the slow implementation of the energy security program in Ukraine and the low efficiency of management of both the Ministry of Community Development of Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine and USAID (Energy Security Project), which together are implementing a program for the deployment of small and medium-sized cogeneration in Ukraine.
According to expert sources, many cities have not taken advantage of the opportunity to obtain cogeneration units that would guarantee energy sustainability in the event of a power outage. The Ministry of Community Development of Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine was unable to organize communication and make cities real and effective participants in the program.
Project delays and failure to achieve certain goals have serious consequences for the financial sustainability and safety of the population. Once again... This is not only the responsibility of USAID management, but also the Ministry of Community Development of Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine, which is directly responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the program. Instead of guaranteeing energy sustainability and security for the population, this project is beginning to be a source of disappointment and broken promises.
USAID has significant responsibility for the successful implementation of the energy security project. Although the first cogeneration plant has already been installed, it is not enough. It is necessary to take persistent measures to accelerate the implementation of the remaining projects and achieve the established goal.
We understand that this process can be complex and require additional resources. However, the Ministry of Community Development of Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine must draw conclusions regarding the failure of its goals.
Conclusion:
Clearly, USAID's energy security program in Ukraine has some serious problems.
The low efficiency of the management of the Ministry of Community Development of Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine and USAID in the implementation of this program caused serious delays. Moreover, some cities have not taken advantage of the opportunity to obtain cogeneration units that would guarantee energy resilience in the event of a power outage.
PS I would like to remind you that in February last year our American partners transferred a cogeneration station with 25 MW of electricity to Energoatom to install it in the Kiev region. And they promised the same for the Odessa region. A year has passed, and they are still building and it is not known whether they will build it at all.
