On June 20th, Razom We Stand with the support from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a high-level side event in London, featuring a dozen speakers, which showcased Ukraine's vast renewable energy potential. Event entitled "Strategic Deployment of Renewable Energy in Ukraine: Investing in Energy Security" took place in the run up to the highly anticipated Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 (URC-2023). The objectives of our event were twofold: to emphasize the pivotal role of transitioning to renewable energy and fostering energy efficiency in Ukraine's sustainable green economic recovery, while simultaneously bolstering Europe's energy security; and to unlock the immense investment opportunities associated with this transition.
We also launched a new report "Investing in Ukraine's Renewable Energy: The Key to Future Energy Security". The report focuses on Ukraine's renewable energy potential and its crucial role in post-war reconstruction, with examinations of solar generation, wind generation and bioenergy; legislative initiatives driving renewable energy in Ukraine; challenges hindering renewable energy development and the transformation of Ukraine's energy system before the russian military invasion; war damages to the energy sector and shifts in energy consumption caused by the russian invasion. Furthermore, it addresses the imperative of localizing renewable energy equipment production within Ukraine. The report highlights that Ukraine enjoys highly favorable conditions for the advancement of solar and wind energy.
Our URC-2023 side event had two enlightening panel discussions, featuring high-ranking government officials, business representatives, and a lineup of distinguished Ukrainian and international experts. Key speakers included member of Ukrainian parliament Andrii Zhupanyn, author of the draft law 9011-D on Restoration and Green Transformation of the Energy System of Ukraine, as well as Anna Zamazieieva, the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and Oleksiy Sobolev, Deputy Minister for digitalization at the Ministry of economy of Ukraine. Representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Energy Agency, and the Energy Community Secretariat were in attendance, highlighting the significant value of our work and noting that rapid buildout of clean energy in Ukraine can contribute to European energy security. Prominent business associations and renowned think tanks, including Ember and Carbon Tracker, have also contributed their expertise.
"Razom We Stand firmly advocates for a reconstruction approach aligned with the principles of the green deal. This thesis finds support in concrete data. The Institute of Economics and Forecasting examine two reconstruction scenarios for Ukraine: one reliant on fossil fuels and the other focused on decarbonizing the economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The second scenario costs are very comparable and would have numerous long-term advantages for health and environment. Now you can learn more about this topic and explore the overall potential of renewables in Ukraine. We are releasing the first edition of our annual report and thank you to everyone who shared our event", said Olha Yevstihnieieva, Green Rebuilding Advocacy Manager Razom We Stand.
Speakers were on-message, and amplified the message we continue to send.
"We are currently working on a draft law that will reshape the energy system in Ukraine. We are going to provide a legal framework for self-production, so that when you produce solar energy, you sell it at market price. This is an example of decentralization," - said Andrii Zhupanyn, Chairman of the “United for Recovery” inter-factional parliamentary association in Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
“We envision more start ups, entrepreneurship, and this works well with growth in renewables like wind and solar. We need engineers for the construction boom, and integration into the EU, for clean energy”, - said Oleksiy Sobolev, Deputy Minister for digitalization at the Ministry of economy of Ukraine.
“I invite you to cooperate with us on decarbonisation, and I hope you Stand With Ukraine and will help to rebuild Ukraine", - addressed Anna Zamazieieva, the Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving, to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry audience.
"Billions will be spent rebuilding and creating the green energy transition. Renewable fuels must be combined with decentralized energy, and conservation," said Valerii Bezus, advisor to the Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine. He continued, "These issues are especially important for energy security".
"We must be connected by a common goal, the creation of clean energy," said Oleksandr Dombrovsky, a former MP, and President at Global 100% RE Ukraine, which is a public union which brings together experts on renewable energy, sustainable development and environmental protection. He continued, "It is my job to create energy security, and we must do this with clean energy and energy efficiency. A circular economy is also necessary".
Mr. Dombrovsky also led on the signing of a very significant agreement to create a partnership between leading groups determined to quickly build out decentralized clean energy infrastructure in Ukraine this year. Memorandum signed at the event provides for establishing the international consortium with the aim to develop industrial ventures in Ukraine focused on energy storage technologies and the development of decentralized distribution systems for green electricity. Its members include MSP Technology Ltd (Great Britain), Fifth Volt GmbH (Austria, EU), EPC Power Corporation (USA), MHP Eco Energy PJSC (Ukraine), Voltage Group LLC (Ukraine).
The date of the event, 20 June, was crucial, just one day before the official Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023, to define the key issues as we see them, and start the vital discussion on rapid transition to clean energy that must happen by world leaders. Our side event was also supported by the esteemed London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a vital partner to add credibility and connections to our efforts.
To realize the vision of the European Green Deal and propel Europe towards becoming the first carbon-neutral continent, it is imperative that efforts of civil society, businesses and governments are united. The key to future energy security in Europe starts with investing in Ukraine's revolutionary transition to renewables, and Razom We Stand is making this happen.
Thanks!
Razom We Stand extends our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed partners who have played a crucial role in the preparation of our new report, namely the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, Solar Energy Association of Ukraine, Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, Global 100% RE Ukraine, Institute of Renewable Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the international clean energy think tank Ember.
