Helping Ukraine Prepare for Winter

As the chill winds of winter come to a country already bracing from the cold winds of war, brave Ukrainian women and men are taking action to keep homes, hospitals, and schools warm and safe. We are proud to work side-by-side through two USAID-funded activities: The Energy Security Project and Engendering Industries .

On October 6 in Kyiv, USAID Administrator Samantha Power (pictured right with Kyiv mayor, Vitali Klitschko) announced a new, $55 million investment in repairs and upgrades to Ukraine’s municipal heating pipes and other infrastructure damaged by the Russian Federation’s invasion. Our USAID Energy Security Project team will deliver this assistance and continue to enhance Ukraine's district heating systems . (Photo: USAID Ukraine)

Through the USAID Energy Security Project, Tetra Tech is working with government and private sector counterparts to help Ukraine build a more secure and transparent energy sector that ensures stable and affordable supplies to citizens while reducing the country’s dependence on Russian gas and electricity. In March 2022, through collaboration with the USAID Energy Security Project, Ukraine’s national electricity company disconnected from the Russian grid and successfully completed emergency synchronization with the European electric power system .

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink (left), USAID Administrator Samantha Power (second from left), and Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko (third from left) observe repairs to Kyiv's district heating network infrastructure. (Photo: USAID Ukraine)

In addition to supporting the restoration of district heating networks damaged in the war, the USAID Energy Security Project previously provided three emergency repair vehicles and a mobile diagnostic laboratory to Kyiv's district heating company, Kyivteploenergo (KTE). All vehicles are equipped with modern equipment, a portable generator, power tools, protective equipment, pipeline sections and valves. A mobile laboratory allows non-invasive diagnosis of which parts of the system have the highest risk of damage and need preventive repairs.

Further, in July 2022, the USAID Energy Security Project, the Energy Community Secretariat, and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding appointing the USAID Energy Security Project as an independent procurement agent for the?Ukraine Energy Support Fund . The Ukraine Energy Support Fund will act as a transparent and speedy vehicle to mobilize international support to help rebuild Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

Women on the Front Lines of Energy Security

USAID Administrator Samantha Power (center, in green) and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink (second from right) with women from the USAID Energy Security Project and KTE. (Photo: KTE)

USAID Administrator Power and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink also met with several women from KTE and the USAID Energy Security Project, including KTE technicians who are repairing Kyiv's district heating networks.

"You are actually very strong women. Putin underestimated the resilience and heroism of Ukrainians. You inspire people all over the world and remind them of true values."

"You are actually very strong women," Administrator Power assured the group. "Putin underestimated the resilience and heroism of Ukrainians. You inspire people all over the world and remind them of true values." (Photo: KTE )

Through the USAID Energy Security Project, Tetra Tech gender experts are continuously working to bring attention to the experiences and best practices of women who work in energy, and to increase opportunities for women in the sector. In addition, the USAID Engendering Industries program, implemented by Tetra Tech, recently partnered with KTE to design workplace initiatives that will expand job opportunities for women and enhance the utility’s performance.?