Post-war reconstruction of Ukraine should be based on renewable energy. In accordance with Green Deal assumptions, decarbonisation of the Ukrainian economy, with wind energy at its core, will ensure independence, prosperity, employment and peace for Ukraine. True technological and industry partnership between Ukraine and Poland will be crucial for the achievement of these targets. Reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy sector after the war — goals, challenges and the role of renewable energy sources will be the main themes of the Polish-Ukrainian Round Table during the 2022 PWEA Conference in Serock.
In recent years, Ukraine made substantial progress in renewables. At the end of 2021 the share of RES in domestic electricity production exceeded than 8%. Total wind installed capacity reached almost 1.7 GW. In accordance with a forecast by the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, made at the end of 2021, Ukraine assumed that at least 1,000 MW of new wind capacity will be built in 2022. More than 4,000 MW of wind installed capacity received building permits. Currently, all projects under construction and development were put on hold.
“I am sure that all planned wind farm projects will be resumed, and in the future Ukraine will contribute even more energy. War certainly changed our approach to life, energy security and independence. I believe that soon Ukraine will set even more ambitious targets for renewable energy. The war has made us stronger and more aware how important renewable energy sources are for a peaceful world. Today, everyone is aware of the costs of independence. We have to phase out fossil fuels and nuclear power as soon as possible, at the same time developing renewable energy, for only such energy will allow us to sustain the independence in a sustainable, just and peaceful manner,” said Andriy Konechenkov, President of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association.
The development of weather-dependent renewable energy sources will require sufficient flexibility of the Ukrainian power system to ensure its stable operation. Development of cross-border interconnectors is one of the tools to achieve that goal. In March 2022, Ukraine quit the Russian network, and the power system has been synchronised with Europe (through ENTSO-E). At the same time Poland became the first country to resume import of Ukrainian electricity. Further development of usable cross-border capacity between the two countries would bring further benefits in terms of integration of variable renewables, secure revenues for the Ukrainian power system, and aid Poland in the simultaneous decrease in CO2 emissions and securing affordable electricity supply.
“Poland and Ukraine, being the coal regions of Europe, actively follow the path towards “green” transition and decarbonisation of their economies. Our countries share a similar approach to the energy business by attempting to minimise Russian impact on the European energy policy. Stronger ties between Ukraine and the EU in terms of energy infrastructure increase the stability and security of the entire region and help to decrease dependence on the import of Russian fossil fuels,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
Establishment of electricity trade relationships between Ukraine and Europe through Poland will bring direct economic benefits to both countries, estimated at a billion USD per year, and the Ukrainian electricity will help the EU to substitute part of gas imported from Russia. In other words, today Ukraine is a real tool for making the EU independent from Russian energy. Poland may act as a mediator in the process. Furthermore, we may become the first European country to build an applicable model for electricity market trade relationships with Ukraine.
“The development of variable renewable sources will require a substantial flexibility in the Ukrainian power system to ensure its stable operation. Development of cross-border interconnectors is one of the tools to achieve that goal. Stronger ties between Ukraine and the EU will increase the stability and security of the entire region and help to decrease dependence on the import of Russian fossil fuels,” said Monika Morawiecka, Regulatory Assistance Project expert.
It is obvious that all these potential directions of cooperation between Poland and Ukraine will require substantial investment. Ukraine exhibits vast, untapped potential for onshore and offshore wind, green hydrogen, new power infrastructure, etc. Many international financial institutions, such as EBRD, have already announce their plans to invest in Ukrainian economy. By participating in RES projects, Poland could become the guarantor of international investments in Ukraine. All these matters will be discussed during a dedicated Polish-Ukrainian Round Table during the 2022 PWEA Conference in Serock (13-15 June). The extraordinary event will discuss issues key to the revival of the Ukrainian energy sector — main objectives, challenges, and the role of RES. The discussion will also include securing funds for the necessary, post-war reconstruction and the importance of financial institutions in the development of a friendly environment for business cooperation in the context of renewable energy sources. More information is available at www.konferencjapsew.pl.