In 2023, Ukraine significantly increased the number of backup power sources required to ensure autonomous operation of electronic communication equipment for at least three days in the absence of external power supply.
This is stated in the report of the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services (NCCS), released on Thursday.
In 2023, the availability of generators for Kyivstar, VF Ukraine, Lifecell, Ukrtelecom, Datagroup increased by 43% compared to 2022, to 6,049 thousand units. The availability of batteries increased by 34% to 385.55 thousand units, the report says.
The number of addresses/points provided with autonomous power supply (generators) at the expense of third parties, where the relevant network equipment is located, based on the results of telecom operators’ work with local governments and enterprises, institutions, organizations, business centers, shopping and entertainment centers, increased to 2 thousand, which is 1.25 thousand more than at the beginning of 2023.
In addition, network operators, with the assistance of socially active private sector participants, have created networks of public Wi-Fi zones in many cities of Ukraine, allowing citizens to have open access to the Internet.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that Germany will send a EUR6.1 million humanitarian aid package to Ukraine, which includes generators and batteries, the German Foreign Ministry’s press service reports.
“With the winter protective umbrella that we are stretching over Ukraine, we are helping the population to survive the cold season. Not only in the form of air defense systems, but also generators, blankets, tents and batteries. Together with the German Federal Agency for Technical Assistance (THW), we are sending additional cargoes this winter for a total of EUR 6.1 million,” the press service quoted Burbock as saying in a statement published on the Foreign Ministry’s website on Friday.
At the same time, German Interior Minister Nancy Feser noted that another 500 power generators worth about EUR3.5 million would be transferred to Ukraine.
“THW is currently preparing to transport more than 500 additional power generators worth about EUR 3.5 million and has already delivered some of them to Ukraine. The goal is to help cities and towns, especially in areas close to the front line. To support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, THW has already purchased more than 1,300 powerful power generators (up to 1,250 kVA) and 20 batteries,” Feather said.
She noted that more than 800 power generators and 15 storage batteries have already been delivered to Ukraine, which are used at Ukrainian thermal power plants, pumping stations, large bakeries and hospitals, as well as for decentralized supply to the population.
Preparations are also underway to transport more than 900 heaters, 1,700 winter sleeping bags, winter clothing and a mobile field kitchen to Ukraine. In addition, two drinking water treatment plants will be transferred to the State Water Resources Administration in the near future to provide clean water to the population.
Ukraine will send 20 tonnes of batteries for recycling to Romania, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday. “Batareiky, Zdavaitesia organization for the first time in Ukraine received permission to recycle batteries in the EU! 20 tonnes will go to Romania,” he said.
“Reforming the waste system under European standards is a step towards the EU,” the minister said.
The organizers said on their Facebook page that the batteries will go for recycling to the GreenWEEE factory, which is located near Buzau. The factory has been recycling batteries since 2011, and has been operating since 2007. It is engaged in the recycling of old electronic equipment.
To send the first batch of collected batteries for recycling, you need a cover letter from the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection of Ukraine and approval by the Romanian government. It is expected that it will be received within two to three weeks.
