AST donates three high-capacity transformers, high-voltage equipment and 50 tonnes of oil to Ukraine

News

Continuing to support Ukraine in restoring its energy infrastructure and strengthening its independence, Latvia’s transmission system operator AS Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST), in cooperation with the National Armed Forces, has delivered three high-capacity high-voltage power transformers to Ukraine. In cooperation with the associations “Tavi draugi” and “Uzņēmēji mieram”, 50 tonnes of transformer oil, 1,000 insulators and other high-voltage equipment have also been sent to Ukraine. The total value of the donation exceeds EUR 343 thousand.

AST provided assistance to Ukraine through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), whose national contact point in Latvia is the State Fire and Rescue Service, which supported the coordination of AST’s donation.

“Latvia is a reliable partner for Ukraine, providing support in restoring energy infrastructure and strengthening energy security. As the minister responsible for energy, my key priority is to strengthen the security of Latvia’s critical infrastructure, also learning from Ukraine’s experience. Energy supply companies must be prepared to respond and rapidly eliminate damage, and they will need to cooperate more closely with each other. The Baltic States must also build joint energy system reserves to be prepared to mitigate risks and disruptions in energy supply systems. Friendship and daily communication with Ukrainian experts also benefit us,” emphasises Minister for Climate and Energy Jānis Vitenbergs.

“Russia has deliberately sought to destroy Ukraine’s energy system, as without electricity many other critical services cannot function. Therefore, AST’s equipment is extremely important for the operation of Ukraine’s energy system and the country’s recovery. Although the equipment has reached the end of its service life in Latvia, it remains operational and can help ensure rapid restoration of Ukraine’s energy system under wartime conditions. We will continue supporting Ukraine, as the resilience of its energy system is essential both for the functioning of the state and for Europe’s overall security,” says Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Management Board of AST.

Photo: Rūdolfs Liepiņš

AST has previously made substantial donations of equipment in support of Ukraine. In December last year, AST donated 21 vehicles – all-wheel-drive cars and agricultural machinery – with a total value exceeding EUR 100 thousand. At the beginning of 2024, AST donated 29 vehicles, including aerial work platforms, passenger cars, trailers and off-road quad bikes, as well as other transport units.

In autumn 2023, AST sent high-voltage transmission network equipment to support the restoration of Ukraine’s energy system, including 330 kV current transformers, 110 kV circuit breakers, 110 kV disconnectors, 110 kV surge arresters, and more than 50 tonnes of transformer oil, with the total shipment reaching 66 tonnes. Previously, AST also delivered a shipment of insulators and seven cargo vans to Ukraine.