Canada and Ukraine are expanding their bilateral energy cooperation to enhance supply security and support the restoration of critical infrastructure. On 10th September, 2026, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met to advance initiatives previously outlined in a February 2026 memorandum of understanding.
Financial Support and Energy Security
As part of the Canada-Ukraine energy cooperation, Canada has committed an additional $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, bringing its total contribution to $100 million. Furthermore, Canada is providing up to $757 million in loan guarantees to assist with emergency natural gas purchases, ensuring the country maintains adequate fuel reserves for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 heating season. This financial framework is designed to bolster energy security as the nation faces continued challenges to its power grid.
Additional support includes $200 million in concessional trade finance specifically targeting infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on the reconstruction of hydropower facilities.
Strategic Cooperation in Gas and Nuclear Sectors
The partnership emphasizes a long-term approach to cooperation, with both nations actively negotiating arrangements for the supply of LNG. Officials are exploring ways to leverage Ukraine’s substantial underground gas storage capacity to improve regional infrastructure resilience.
Parallel to these gas-related efforts, the two countries are deepening their collaboration in nuclear energy. A strategic agreement between Cameco and NNEGC Energoatom has been established, securing long-term uranium supplies and conversion services through 2035. This agreement serves as a foundational element for Ukraine’s nuclear independence and long-term energy planning.
The statement about the energy cooperation also reaffirms the 1995 bilateral agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, along with the 2023 memorandum between Ukraine’s State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The ministers have pledged to strengthen cooperation in areas including the modernization of uranium mining, nuclear waste management, nuclear safety and joint diplomatic initiatives through the IAEA concerning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
