Ukraine leads the way to energy security and sustainability

In a new article published this month in Per Concordian - Journal of European Security and Defense Issues, Dr Natalia Slobodian, Research Fellow in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University and a British Academy Researcher at Risk Fellow explains with Dr Svitlana Andrushchenko, Director, Recovery and Reform Support Team, Ukrainian Ministry of Energy, how the war against Ukraine is having widespread implications on energy security across the world, emphasising the need for a transition to more sustainable, independent solutions to energy provision.

For more than a decade, Ukraine has confronted numerous threats to its energy security posed by Russia. From the occupation of Crimea and the loss of Black Sea gas fields to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, Ukraine has had to remain agile, adapt to changing circumstances, and initiate reforms to safeguard its energy security.

However, the impact of the invasion by Russia in February 2022 upon the country has had a devastating impact upon the country. The Full-scale war, for the first time, saw the comprehensive use of energy as a weapon. Russian incursions at nuclear power plants have turned sites into military pressure points and targeted attacks on critical infrastructure have left millions of people without light, heat, water and other essential services.

Ukraine has had to completely redefine its approach to energy security. Moving away from the legacy practices of overdependence on Russian energy sources, it is shifting focus from fossil fuels to taking control of its own energy future and systems, while striving for a cleaner energy landscape.

Dr Natalia Slobodian is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University, a British Academy Researcher at Risk Fellow, and an expert on sustainability development in the energy sector. She said: “Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine has widespread implications for the global energy transition. It has highlighted both the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and the importance of transitioning toward sustainable energy sources.

“Ukraine’s experience can provide valuable insights into sustainable approaches for the recovery and reconstruction of the energy sector. By prioritizing renewable sources and enhancing efficiency, countries can lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of future conflicts on global energy stability.

“The Ukrainian experience in recovery and reconstruction, based on principles of decarbonization, sustainability, climate and a nature-valued approach, is unparalleled. This conflict, and lessons learned from it, can be a catalyst for Europe and other regions to accelerate their energy transitions.”

Since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s energy sector has become a primary target due to its vital role in the country’s economy and the well-being and morale of its citizens. In just one day, in 2022, around 30% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was damaged. The crisis, caused by Russian attacks, highlights the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the critical need for resilience, self-reliance and strategic planning in the face of such threats.

Dr Slobodian continued: “The Western world did not take seriously enough the energy risks posed by Russia. Statements posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country would use gas, oil and other resources as weapons to protect its geopolitical interests were seen as posturing.

“In 2022 and 2023, Russia regularly escalated the situation around the occupied nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia by deploying military equipment in the turbine hall of the station, restricting access to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, laying land mines around the station’s premises, kidnapping and killing energy workers, causing regular blackouts at the station, and so on.

“Before the war, more than half of Ukraine’s electricity was generated by nuclear power plants (51.4% in 2020). Despite the war, Ukrainian industry has demonstrated resilience and continues to implement wind-generation projects. While one missile can destroy a 200-to-300-megawatt thermal power plant boiler, it is impossible to cause as much destruction with wind generation when a typical turbine has just 5 to 6 megawatts of installed capacity. That’s why renewable energy is not only about climate protection for Ukraine but primarily about energy security and resilience.”

Ukraine is now adapting strategies and enhancing capacity with a focus on expanding renewable energy sources and strengthening their energy security. Along with a strong drive for energy efficiency by industry and the public, innovative projects supporting renewable energy solutions, like the Ray of Hope project, have been implemented. Launched in early March 2023 through a partnership between the European Commission, Italian energy company Enel and the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy, this initiative has provided 5,700 solar photovoltaic panels with a capacity of approximately 2 megawatts. These donated panels will be installed on the roofs of various key public buildings that offer essential services, such as education and healthcare.

Businesses and individuals have also supported a significant increase in local renewable energy projects thanks to a competitive and market-oriented approach, with the government creating conditions to attract private investments.

Ukraine is embracing the ‘building back better’ principle, providing its citizens with energy security and a greener future. In doing so it is also serves as an example for other countries, showing how to make their energy sectors more sustainable and resilient for the future.

Read more about how Ukraine is leading the way in energy security and sustainable futures in an article by Dr Natalia Slobodian and Dr Svitlana Andrushchenko, Director, Recovery and Reform Support Team, Ukrainian Ministry of Energy in Per Concordiam - The Journal of European Security and Defense Issues, published by the Marshall Centre.