EU-Ukraine Energy Seminar: "Energy Aspects of European Integration and Economic Recovery of Ukraine: Crisis and the Opportunities"

On June 7, 2024, Razom We Stand in partnership with E3G the European Energy Security Initiative, and the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency held an EU-Ukraine energy workshop ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, URC-2024. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical energy issues and opportunities facing Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and destruction. 

As a participant of the event Andriy Tabinskyy emphasized key aspects of transforming coal communities in the context of destroyed coal generation. Due to continuous Russian attacks, more than 70% of coal thermal generation has been completely destroyed, necessitating immediate solutions to ensure energy, heat, and water supply for mono-industry towns such as Dobrotvir, Burshtyn, Ladyzhyn, Zelenodolsk, etc.

Such urgent solutions could include the installation of cogeneration equipment, storage stations, and so on. Communities are already seeking resources for such purchases. However, a complete transition away from coal generation in the residential and utility sector requires a broader long-term perspective. Andriy Tabinskyy highlighted the necessity of developing renewable energy projects along with measures to enhance energy efficiency in communities. These include training programs for homeowner associations to participate in Energy Efficiency Fund programs, energy audits for public sector buildings, development of ESCO contracting, and the establishment of permanent project and fundraising teams for coal communities. The Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine is already working on these issues.

Jorge Beeche, Solar Investments emphasized the readiness of businesses to invest in renewable energy: "We are already ready to work in Ukraine in the field of renewable energy, but the international community must find solutions to attract more investments to achieve our goals." Such solutions could include insurance against military risks faced by international investors in Ukraine provided by national governments.

Anna Zhovtenko, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  spoke about achievements in energy efficiency of public buildings in Ukraine through ESCO (energy service contracts) models. She highlighted legislative changes, successful project implementations, and the benefits of ESCO: "We have over 23 municipal partners piloting solar power plants for hospitals, schools, and water supply. We also collaborate with UNDP, conducting energy audits and installing energy-saving LED lights."

Overall, the event gathered a professional community and became an important platform for discussing current energy issues in Ukraine.