Ukraine: Energy in the crosshairs of war

Energy in the crosshairs of war: the battle for Ukraine‘s energy independence

Anastasia Kudria

In April 2018, the inauguration of the first phase of a 50 MW solar power plant in Tokmak marked a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s energy landscape. Spearheaded by “Tokmak Solar Energy,” this endeavor symbolized the nation’s commitment to energy security and sustainable growth through renewable resources.

Co-founder Oleksandr Riepkin envisioned the solar plant as more than just a power source; it represented Ukraine’s determination to combat CO2 emissions and foster energy independence. However, the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 disrupted this progress.

Tokmak, once a beacon of renewable energy, fell victim of the war, with the solar station bearing the brunt of shelling near a former military airfield. Despite this setback, “Tokmak Solar Energy” remains resolute in its mission, determined to resume renewable energy initiatives post-liberation.

Energy in the crosshairs of war: the battle for Ukraine's energy independence

In 2018, Oleksandr Repkin catalyzed the formation of the “Ukrainian Hydrogen Council,” igniting a new chapter in Ukraine’s energy narrative. By uniting stakeholders from business, government, and academia, this initiative propelled hydrogen energy into the spotlight, laying the groundwork for infrastructure development.

The collaborative efforts of diverse experts under the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council‘s umbrella foster an environment conducive to innovation, positioning hydrogen energy as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s energy transition.

Undeterred by adversity, Oleksandr Riepkin charts a course towards a greener future with ambitious projects in renewable energy. The envisioned Hydrogen Valley in the Odesa region and a counterpart in Zakarpattia signify a strategic shift towards hydrogen as a clean energy solution.

In Latin, “hydrogen” translates to “that which generates water,” underscoring its environmentally friendly nature. By investing in green hydrogen production infrastructure, Ukraine takes a crucial step towards decarbonizing the economy and mitigating climate change.

The Hydrogen Valley project aims to revolutionize energy production in Ukraine by utilizing renewable sources to produce “green” hydrogen, a clean and versatile energy carrier.

With an initial electrolysis capacity of 100 MW, the project involves the construction of a renewable hydrogen plant designed to produce renewable electricity and “green” hydrogen for domestic use and export to EU countries.

The project also includes the construction of solar and wind power plants with capacities of 120 MW and 80 MW respectively, as well as an assessment of the possibility of underground hydrogen storage in the salt formations of the Odesa region. This approach ensures reliable energy supply capable of withstanding external disruptions.

As the project unfolds, it is poised to not only transform the energy sector in the Odesa region but also serve as a model for sustainable development nationwide. Through investment in renewable hydrogen infrastructure and the promotion of clean energy technologies, Ukraine is laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient future.

One of the fantastic new developments is that Hydrogen Valley in the Odesa region has secured a grant to implement a renewable hydrogen production project. This grant, awarded as part of the Innovate Ukraine competition, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and facilitated by the British Embassy in Kyiv, marks a significant milestone in advancing initiatives in sustainable energy in Ukraine.

The program was launched on May 2, 2024, heralding a promising step towards a greener future.

Ukraine’s Regeneration Trajectory

Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr. Frans Timmermans, and Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr. Denys Shmyhal, recently convened to discuss Ukraine’s energy resilience and its post-war prospects as a participant in the European “Green New Deal.”

Mr. Timmermans and the Prime Minister agreed that Ukraine’s reconstruction should be based on the principles of the Green New Deal, as Ukraine boasts high rates of renewable energy that can be utilized to reduce the country’s and Europe’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Together with representatives from Europe’s hydrogen and energy sectors, a ten-point plan, known as the “Timmermans Recovery Plan” (2023), was developed to assist in Ukraine’s recovery, emphasizing its renewable energy sources and its potential to become a major player in the hydrogen sector.

Therefore, for Ukraine, the priority is the development of the renewable energy sector. New capacities in alternative energy will decentralize the energy system, and many new individual projects can contribute to this. Green hydrogen can also serve as a means of storing excess electricity from renewable sources when production exceeds demand, effectively acting as a kind of battery. This is extremely important given the current energy situation in the country.

An important perspective is the calls for compensation from Russia for the destroyed energy facilities. This would be a crucial step in restoring infrastructure and supporting the country’s energy independence. Despite the challenges, Ukrainian companies and the public continue to work on the development of renewable energy, recognizing its significant contribution to the country’s future.

ANASTASIA KUDRIA, Hydrogen transportation expert, EA “Ukrainian Hydrogen Council”, Email: kudria@hydrogen.ua

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