WindEurope, SolarPower Europe, the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA) and the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine (ASEU) together with the EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson have come together to reinforce the EU’s determination to support Ukraine both throughout the ongoing war and in the following period of reconstruction.
The trade bodies and commission said at an event today that renewables should be at the core of the joint Strategic Reconstruction Plan and the Ukraine.
In a joint statement the European and Ukrainian renewables associations called on Ukrainian leaders to set a target of at least 50% renewables in Ukraine’s electricity mix by 2030, and for a dedicated “Renewables for Ukraine” vehicle as part of the joint Strategic Reconstruction Plan and the Ukraine reconstruction platform.
The European and Ukrainian Wind and Solar Associations also condemned Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine in the strongest terms.
Simson stressed that the EU is working at full speed to reduce this dependence and strengthen Europe’s energy security.
The EU will intensify its commitment to drive the recovery of the hard-hit Ukrainian economy.
An essential element of this support will be the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s energy sector.
Solar and wind, the most affordable and scalable technologies, will support the country’s independence and prosperity going forward, the parties said in the joint statement.
UWEA board chair Andriy Konechenkov said: “Living through the eight years of Russian hybrid war has taught me two things.
“The first is that Ukraine will never be safe until we have energy independence, and the second is that energy security can never come from fossil fuels.
“Ukraine’s post-war recovery should be based on renewable energy. 50% share of renewables in electricity generation by 2030 is realistic and feasible target for my country.”
Solar Energy Association of Ukraine chief executive Artem Semenyshyn said: “We see right now how solar supports the Ukrainian grid’s resilience – the flexible nature of solar decreases the vulnerability of the energy supply to attack, with solar keeping the lights on in parts of Ukraine.
“With financial and political support from the international community, the plan to rebuild Ukraine should have the principle of resilience and flexibility at its core.
“A mandatory solar rooftop programme to support re-building homes would enable lowest cost and clean power security for Ukraine’s citizens.”
WindEurope deputy chief executive Malgosia Bartosik said: “Renewables should be at the core of rebuilding a climate neutral, prosperous and energy independent Ukraine.
“Had we all invested earlier and more decisively in renewable energy, we would not find ourselves dependent on unreliable fossil fuel importers today.
“Wind was already powering Ukrainian homes and companies before the war. The European wind industry stands ready to support the Ukrainian post-war recovery and strengthen its energy security with affordable and scalable technology, while creating new jobs, supporting local communities and revitalising the Ukrainian economy.”
SolarPower Europe chief executive Walburga Hemetsberger said: “Ukraine is European, and now a candidate member of the European Union.
“It follows that we must support Ukrainian renewable reconstruction in line with the Fit for 55 and REPowerEU packages.
“For the country’s energy security, prosperity, and climate goals, we must maximise the immense potential of Ukrainian renewables, and empower Ukraine to join the continent’s Solar Terawatt Journey by 2030.”