Norway Looks to Ukraine for Lessons in Keeping the Power On
Norway’s energy leaders are in Kyiv to learn how Ukraine keeps electricity flowing under Russian attack and bring those lessons into Norway’s own emergency planning.
Norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland arrived in Kyiv on October 27 with senior officials responsible for protecting Norway’s electricity supply. Their visit combines talks on continued Norwegian assistance with lessons from Ukraine’s experience of operating essential infrastructure during war.
The delegation includes Kjetil Lund, director general of the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), and the agency’s preparedness director, Kristian Markegård. They will meet Ukrainian authorities and organisations working on civilian preparedness. Aasland will also hold political talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, according to Norway’s Ministry of Energy.
Bringing Wartime Experience Home
Years of Russian attacks have forced Ukraine to develop expertise in protecting energy facilities and sustaining supplies under extreme pressure.
For NVE, the visit connects directly to its responsibilities at home. The agency oversees preventive security and emergency preparedness across Norway’s power sector, helping ensure that electricity remains available during serious disruptions.
The Norwegian officials want to understand how Ukrainian preparedness and infrastructure protection can inform that work. The ministry describes the cooperation as an exchange in which both countries contribute practical knowledge.
Nearly NOK 5 Billion for Energy
Norway’s Nansen Support Programme includes NOK 15 billion in civilian assistance to Ukraine for 2026. Nearly NOK 5 billion is allocated to energy, making it the largest individual component.
The support finances gas purchases and technical equipment to sustain energy supplies. Norwegian power companies have also donated equipment voluntarily since 2022.
Aasland said Norway would continue helping maintain Ukrainian energy production as Russian forces target the country’s facilities.
Energy at the Heart of Closer Cooperation
The visit follows the strategic partnership signed in Kyiv on August 23 by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Known as the Ellisiv Declaration, the partnership covers defence, energy and national resilience. Its energy commitments include protecting critical infrastructure, repairing and modernising damaged facilities, and reducing vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s supply system.
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