Between 2022 and 2024, Ukraine has successfully commissioned over 860 MW of new renewable energy capacities. This announcement was made by Mykola Kolisnyk, Deputy Minister of Energy, during the Energy Freedom by Energy Club online meeting, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Ukrinform.
Impact of the Ongoing Conflict
Kolisnyk emphasized that a significant portion of Ukraine’s renewable generation is situated in regions currently occupied by Russia. The ongoing war has severely impacted Ukraine’s coal generation capacity, necessitating a shift towards climate-neutral technologies.
Future Energy Landscape
The Deputy Minister outlined a vision for Ukraine’s energy sector that includes a diverse mix of renewable energy sources, nuclear generation, modernized thermal generation, and distributed energy solutions at the local level.
National Renewable Energy Development Plan
The Ukrainian government has adopted a National Renewable Energy Development Plan, aiming for a 27% share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2030. Several initiatives are planned to enhance the conditions for renewable energy development, including:
- Mechanisms to support renewable energy on competitive market terms.
- Long-term direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) between renewable energy producers and consumers.
- Implementation of guarantees of origin for renewable electricity.
Importance of Energy Storage
Kolisnyk highlighted the critical role of energy storage systems in enhancing the resilience of the energy grid. These systems are vital for balancing frequency and providing additional capacity during peak demand periods.
In August, Ukraine’s government approved the National Renewable Energy Action Plan through 2030, which includes measures for implementation. The plan features pilot auctions for renewable energy production quotas, set to launch fully in 2025.
