
The Ukrainian electric grid is under attack from Russia and grid operators are working tirelessly to keep it from failing. It has been estimated that more than 50% of the Ukrainian grid will need to be rebuilt once the war is over.
Energize Ukraine is a global initiative by the Ukrainian World Congress to collect both financial and equipment donations to help the nation rebuild critical infrastructure.
“This is critical infrastructure that feeds schools, hospitals, manufacturing,” said Paul Grod, who is president of Ukrainian World Congress.
Grod spoke to POWERGEN International attendees about the mission in Orlando last week. See the full video below.
A similar briefing was held at DISTRIBUTECH International on February 8 in San Diego. That briefing concluded with Clarion Events presenting a $10,000 check to Energize Ukraine. The check was presented by Greg Topalian, North American CEO of Clarion Events, as part of the company’s Clarion Cares initiative.
Grod told POWERGEN attendees with donated funds, the Ukrainian World Congress will be able to fund the delivery of donated equipment or the purchase of new or used equipment to the areas of Ukraine that are most in need and have experienced the most devastating destruction.
“We’re having utilities that are turning to us and saying, ‘Here’s a transformer, it’s up to you to go to Ukraine’,” said Grod. “We are getting a lot of support from the U.S. and Canadian governments to get transport. We also need a lot of financial support for on the logistics side.”
Learn more about the equipment needed and donate at energizeukraine.com.