Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

Ukraine has the potential for ultimately becoming a net energy exporter. Renewable energy sources and energy efficiency strategies are an important part of this strategy. The Ukrainian government has established a goal of achieving 50% power from renewables and 50% from nuclear energy by 2035. Renewable energy promises a more robust energy system for Ukraine in two ways. First, it diversifies energy sources away from fuels like diesel, reducing dependency on vulnerable supply chains. Second, the integration of renewables enables the creation of distributed energy systems, decentralizing the grid and making it more resistant to disruptive events. However, there is plenty of work that needs to be done to ensure successful and sustainable changes in Ukraine’s energy sector. This would include the construction of smart grids, and electricity systems that employ digital technologies such as sensors and software for real-time monitoring to minimize costs and increase grid efficiency and stability. Private sector investments will be needed to increase the integration of renewables into the energy mix.

Moderator: 

• Jane Nakano, Senior Fellow, Energy and National Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (Moderator) 

Speakers: 

• Hanna Zamazieieva, Head, State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine
• Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the Board, Ukraine Wind Energy Association
• Oleksandr Kravchenko, Managing Partner for Ukraine, McKinsey 
• Janez Kopač, former Director of Energy Community Secretariat, former Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy of Slovenia, former Minister of Finance in Slovenia