Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed that a Ukrainian delegation is actively seeking Soviet-era thermal and combined heat and power plants across Eastern Europe. The initiative is part of Ukraine's larger strategy to rebuild its energy infrastructure, which has suffered significant damage from ongoing Russian attacks. Shmyhal made this announcement during a parliamentary Q&A session, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of sourcing such infrastructure to ensure a stable energy supply for the country.

The delegation's visits to multiple Eastern European countries aim to identify and assess available facilities for potential acquisition. Shmyhal described the ongoing efforts involving engineers and energy experts from Ukrainian companies to evaluate equipment at these sites. He indicated that the plan includes taking inventory, analyzing the condition of the plants, and strategically removing entire blocks of operational plants to facilitate replacements in Ukraine. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the energy sector amid conflict.

Collaborating with Eastern European nations, Ukraine hopes to implement this strategy effectively, as these countries often have similar Soviet-era infrastructure. The energy minister stressed the importance of creating a resilient energy network that can withstand future threats and meet the energy demands of a rebuilding Ukraine. This initiative not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also underscores the ongoing collaboration among nations in response to the war's impact on energy security.