"A more decentralized energy system, with a growing share of renewables and more market players, is structurally more resilient. Countries that invested in the energy transition are weathering this crisis with less economic damage, as they boost energy security, resilience and competitiveness."
Ukraine and its neighbor Moldova both experienced power outages on Saturday amid problems on Ukraine's grid, officials said. The grid emergency caused a halt to Kyiv's water supply and metro operations, while most districts in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, were without electricity, they said.
Russian missiles and drones struck Ukrainian power plants and electricity networks overnight on February 7, triggering rolling blackouts and renewing pressure on a grid already battered by weeks of attacks, Ukrainian authorities said. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government has instituted emergency nationwide power shutdowns of the electricity grid across the country. Kyiv also requested emergency assistance from Poland after Russia hit the Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska power plants in western Ukraine overnight.
It is pre-dawn in the historic Podil district of the Ukraine capital, Kyiv, and warm light from the Spelta bakery-bistro's window pierces the darkness outside. On a wooden surface dusted with flour, the baker Oleksandr Kutsenko skilfully divides and shapes soft, damp pieces of dough. As he shoves the first loaves into the oven, a sweet, delicate aroma of fresh bread fills the space.
Serious damage has occurred with energy infrastructure. As a result, there have been disruptions to supplies of power, water and heating. Despite the chaos, officials believe nearly half of those affected could be reconnected to the electricity grid today, as teams work diligently to repair the damage.
