'Ukraine is soon entering a new winter of war. To ensure the most stable possible power supply and avoid severe humanitarian consequences, it is very important that Ukraine receives funds to purchase equipment to strengthen and restore critical infrastructure damaged by Russian bombing,' said Minister of Energy Terje Aasland.

Aasland announced that Norway will contribute 500 million NOK in energy support in November and December during his visit to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Tuesday. The funds are part of the Nansen Programme’s framework for 2026.

The support will be disbursed through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF). The fund ensures that the money can be quickly converted into concrete repairs, new equipment, and investments where the needs are greatest. Ukraine has, among other things, highlighted the need for new power cables to help secure the energy supply.

Vassdrags- og energidirektør Kjetil Lund, energiminister Terje Aasland og Norges ambassadør til Ukraina, Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, foran minneveggen for de falne i Ukraina.
Vassdrags- og energidirektør Kjetil Lund, energiminister Terje Aasland og Norges ambassadør til Ukraina, Lars Ragnar Aalerud Hansen, foran minneveggen for de falne i Ukraina. Credit: Arvid Samland/Energidepartementet

'The Ukrainian authorities have pointed out that deliveries of underwater cables are highly prioritized by the Ukrainian side. These are cables that, for example, Nexans in Halden can supply,' said Aasland.

Energy a Key Part of the Nansen Programme

Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have made energy security a central priority for Ukraine and a key focus area in the Nansen Programme. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Norway has contributed over 16 billion NOK to the purchase of gas, repairs of energy infrastructure, and investments in new solutions.

The repeated attacks by Russia have caused extensive damage to energy facilities in Ukraine and made the energy supply highly vulnerable. This has created an urgent need for equipment to restore damaged infrastructure and ensure reliable operation of the energy system.

In total, Norway is providing 85 billion NOK to Ukraine in 2026 through the Nansen Programme. Of this, the allocated energy funds are part of the civilian and humanitarian support totaling 15 billion NOK. 70 billion NOK is allocated for military purposes.