Ukraine's Energy Minister Outlines Future Cooperation with US and EU

Ukraine's Energy Resilience and Future Plans

Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, recently shared insights on the country's energy sector, its resilience in the face of Russian attacks, and plans for future cooperation with the United States and European Union. Speaking at an Atlantic Council event, Galushchenko highlighted Ukraine's achievements and challenges in maintaining its energy infrastructure during three years of war.

Withstanding Russian Attacks

Galushchenko emphasized Ukraine's ability to withstand repeated Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure:

• Ukraine has faced over 30 massive attacks since 2022, with recent attacks involving up to 300 missiles and drones at once.
• Despite predictions of widespread blackouts, Ukraine managed to avoid major restrictions on electricity supply to households this winter.
• The country has lost up to 10 gigawatts of generation capacity due to attacks but has been able to repair and maintain critical infrastructure.

Nuclear Cooperation with the US

The minister highlighted successful cooperation with US companies in the nuclear sector:

• Collaboration with Westinghouse led to the development of a new type of fuel for VVER reactors, breaking Russia's monopoly.
• A partnership with Holtec resulted in the construction of a spent fuel storage facility, reducing dependence on Russia.
• Discussions are ongoing regarding Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects and the potential construction of AP1000 Westinghouse reactors in Ukraine.

Gas Market and European Energy Security

Galushchenko emphasized Ukraine's potential role in European energy security:

• Ukraine possesses significant gas storage capacity (over 30 billion cubic meters) that could be utilized for European supply security.
• The country aims to increase domestic gas production and potentially export to Europe, helping to reduce dependence on Russian gas.
• Ukraine is working on legislation to fully integrate with European energy markets.

Renewable Energy and Decentralization

The minister discussed Ukraine's plans for renewable energy development:

• Ukraine aims to achieve 27% renewable energy in its mix by 2030.
• The country is promoting decentralized generation, which has proven more resilient to military attacks.
• Programs are in place to support businesses and individuals in installing renewable energy systems.

US-Ukraine Energy Cooperation

Galushchenko outlined several areas for potential cooperation between Ukraine and the United States:

• Substituting Russian presence in European energy markets across various sectors.
• Collaborating on nuclear technology and fuel supply.
• Exploring opportunities in gas production and export.
• Developing renewable energy projects.
• Partnering on critical minerals extraction and processing.

Energy Infrastructure Reconstruction

The minister shared insights on Ukraine's approach to rebuilding its energy infrastructure:

• Focus on innovation and incorporating the latest technologies rather than simply rebuilding what was destroyed.
• Designing infrastructure with enhanced resilience to potential future military risks.
• Emphasizing a diverse energy mix including nuclear, renewables, and hydro power.

EU Integration and Energy Markets

Galushchenko discussed Ukraine's progress in integrating with European energy systems:

• Ukraine successfully connected to the European electricity grid in March 2022.
• The country is working on adopting EU energy legislation and market regulations.
• Ukraine aims to become a significant player in European electricity exports.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges and outlined future priorities:

• Continuing to secure critical energy infrastructure against Russian attacks.
• Advancing legislation for full integration with EU energy markets.
• Attracting foreign investment for energy sector development and reconstruction.
• Maintaining a strong stance against reintegrating Russian energy into European markets.

Conclusion

Ukraine's Energy Minister presented a comprehensive view of the country's energy sector, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships. As Ukraine continues to defend itself and rebuild, the energy sector remains a critical component of its national security and economic future. Cooperation with the United States and European Union will play a vital role in shaping Ukraine's energy landscape and contributing to broader European energy security goals.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtAMpS9OzUM