From September 2024 to this October, Ignitis Gamyba allocated €1.1 million in humanitarian aid to support the restoration of Ukraine’s war‑damaged energy infrastructure. According to the European Commission, this is the largest logistical operation it has ever coordinated.
The European Commission’s announcement is available here: Commission delivers thermal plant to supply power for 1 million Ukrainians
In just over a year, 145 lorries loaded with equipment were dispatched from the Vilnius TE‑3 Combined Heat and Power Plant. According to the company’s calculations, a total of 2,681 tonnes of equipment have been allocated for humanitarian aid.
“In this challenging period, as Ukraine experiences continued russian aggression and the destruction of its energy infrastructure, we remain firmly committed to supporting the Ukrainian people. Lithuania’s initiative to relocate a full thermal power plant, with a combined heat and electricity capacity of nearly 1,000 MW, to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a powerful example of solidarity and cooperation. A thermal power plant of this size can provide heating for approximately half of Vilnius households. This support is necessary to rebuild the energy sector, which is vital to the daily lives of Ukrainians. I am sincerely grateful to all the countries, companies and institutions involved in this massive project. This operation only became possible through the efforts of all of our partners,” says Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.
The principal activities of Ignitis Gamyba’s TE‑3 were suspended in 2015 due to high operating costs and an assessment that operation of the power units would not have a significant impact on the stability of the electric power system.
“For more than 30 years, this power plant provided heating for roughly half of Vilnius households. Now it is no longer being used, but the equipment we preserved and kept operational was able to contribute to restoring vital functions in Ukraine,” said Ignitis Group CEO Darius Maikštėnas.
The transfer of equipment was officially confirmed on 15 July 2024, following the signing of a support agreement between Ignitis Gamyba and the electricity distribution network operator in Ukraine. For security reasons, more detailed information about the aid being provided, including the exact names of the equipment as well as the power plants it will be going to, cannot be disclosed.
Source: Lietuvos Respublikos energetikos ministerija
