Ukrenergo receives 1st transformer under RePoWER project from WB

MOSCOW. Oct 22 (Interfax) - The Ukrenergo power grid operator has received the first large cross-regulation transformer for one of the 750 kV substations as part of the Restoration Project of Winterization and Energy Resources (RePoWER) from the World Bank (WB), Ukrainian media quoted the company as saying on social media.

"The new transformer will increase the volume of electricity transmission during the seasonal consumption growth. The installation of a new powerful transformer cuts operating costs and provides a reliable power supply scheme for around 300,000 consumers," the statement said.

Around 20 more high-power transformers, which were purchased with the WB's funds, are expected to be supplied in the next few months after their manufacture is complete.

The company said that the equipment is supplied at the expense of a $247-million grant from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF). Seventeen donors, including Canada, Sweden and Switzerland, which have identified the Ukrainian energy sector as a priority area for their contributions, are funding it.

Ukrenergo earlier received special vehicles under the RePoWER project to help Ukrainian power engineers repair and rebuild damaged grids.