What was announced
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže told in Brussels that the country is including a dismantled thermal power plant that Latvia no longer needs in the next aid package for Ukraine. She said Latvia continues to provide military and humanitarian support and is also working on a program to procure American weapons for Ukraine.
"Latvia is doing everything possible. We delivered another package of energy support and are preparing the next one. It contains the literal relocation of a thermal power plant dismantled in Latvia that we no longer need."
— Baiba Braže, Latvian Foreign Minister
Why this matters for Ukraine
First, it is a sign of solidarity: European partners are not only talking about help but are providing physical means to restore infrastructure. Second, in the short term additional generation capacity can reduce risks during the heating season in regions where CHPs have been damaged.
But this is not a "Hummer" — it’s about logistics and equipment
Transferring a dismantled power plant does not mean instant grid connection. Dismantled equipment needs to be transported, assembled, adapted to the Ukrainian grid, commissioned, supplied with fuel and staffed. Experts note that such a project can take from several weeks to months depending on the condition of the equipment and delivery conditions.
Context: why help is critical now
Since January 14, an emergency situation in the energy sector has been in effect in Ukraine because of massive shelling and a cold snap. In Kyiv, after strikes, some CHPs stopped, including Darnytska CHP‑4 and CHP‑6, which affected heating for thousands of homes. At the same time, the government reported agreements to receive decommissioned equipment from six European CHPs/TPPs — this is part of a broader initiative to restore the energy system.
What it means for an ordinary resident
Essentially, transferring a power plant is a concrete tool to reduce the vulnerability of the population during shelling and cold weather. However, the effect will be phased: first logistics and assembly, then commissioning, and only after that — a more stable supply of heat or power for local networks.
Consequences and risks
Positive: additional capacity and a political signal of unity with the EU. Risks: technical compatibility, timelines for implementation, and the need for fuel and specialists. That is why parallel steps — repairing damaged CHPs in Ukraine and coordinating with European donors — remain key.
Conclusion
The transfer of a dismantled power plant from Latvia is not an instant "turning the lights on," but it is a practical step toward energy resilience. The question now is implementation: how quickly the equipment will be delivered, assembled and integrated. The answer will determine how tangible the aid will be for Ukrainian cities this winter.
