Energy Crisis in Ukraine
Russia cutting off gas-supplies to UA has unleashed an energy
crisis.
Ukraine is in an energy crisis situation now and has been since
mid-June 2014 when Russia cut off the natural gas supply. The coal
mining area of Donbas (Donets and Luhansk regions) is under the
control of Russia-backed separatists. Ukraine that has always been
an exporter of coal is looking for sources to import coal to, to
enable energy producing stations to operate. A deal is struck with
South Africa's companies to supply 1 million tons of coal soon and
5.6 million tons by the end of 2015.
UA energy production decreases while energy consumption rises. The
government has created an anti-crisis headquarter in Kiev to work
on energy safety for the country. Saving policy has been
introduced to store electricity for the winter. As a result,
electricity cut-offs occur from 8 till 10 in the morning and at the
same time in the evenings. There is a cut-off schedule in each
region of Ukraine, even in the capital of Kiev. Chemical industry
plants which are using natural gas for fertilizer production has
recently been banned from the further use of gas.
Ukrainians are buying candles, getting plastic windows, pellet and
firewood boilers installed and houses are insulated to prepare
their homes for the worst scenario.
For the time being, we lack 5 billion cubic meters of gas. Because
Russia has stopped gas supply, Ukraine had to turn to Europe to
look for reverse gas supplies. Currently we are lucky to have a
deal with Slovakia (gas is being pumped into UA gas storages) and
Norwegian energy firm, Statoil. Poland and Hungary were also able
to sell some of their gas for Ukraine but now, they can do it no
more.
Nuclear power stations could be the option for producing
electricity to let families warm their houses with the help of
electrical devices. However, the issue of nuclear fuel (uranium) is
also a challenging one (we used to get it from Russia, but now
there is a deal with Sweden to safeguard the future operation of
the stations!).
Well, in one way, our government is assuring the nation that we
won't freeze. On the other hand, considering the instability in the
East of Ukraine and its possible developments, we should be ready
for anything. As Ukrainians say, "it's better to be prepared for
worst while hoping for the best". It means every family has to
think for itself on how to survive through the winter
2014/2015.
Mission Without Borders in Ukraine is also preparing to help the
needy families with OWR, Urgent Needs, GIK, etc… In Sarny, we have
the Community Center that minister to 40 elderly and lonely people.
Last winter we were able to help deliver coal, peat, firewood and
warm blankets delivery. This year, we expect all of them to solicit
us for heating needs.
In the meantime, the trilateral gas-related meetings of
Ukraine-Russia-Europe to decide gas supply for Ukraine from Russia
will be resumed after October the 7th. This process that
started on September 26th in Berlin has so far
remained at a standstill because of gas prices and alleged UA gas
debt arguments.
Ukraine is now facing one of the worst times in its later history
and it's clear that Ukrainians have to tighten their belts and be
prepared to live through a very difficult cold period.
Please continue to pray for Ukraine. Thank you.
On the photos: Last winter, poor families like the Biguns and many
others who thankfully received firewood\peat from MWBU are much
expecting our help this year to survive through the cold winter
2014\2015.