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As part of a working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a Ukrainian delegation led by the UWEA participated in the international conference “Decentralized Energy Solutions for Ukraine’s Security,” held on November 25, 2024, in the Hague.
The conference, organized by Ukraine Facility Platform and Open Door Ukraine - two prominent NGOs spearheading strategic development and cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union - convened professionals in renewable energy, investors, business leaders, policymakers, and local government representatives at the prestigious Clingendael Institute. Together, they addressed Ukraine’s most pressing challenge: rebuilding its energy infrastructure.
During the event, participants explored the deployment of advanced decentralized systems in Ukraine, integrating solar and wind energy, bioenergy, and energy storage technologies.
In her opening remarks, Lana Zerkal, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (2014-2019) and a representative of Ukraine Facility Platform, emphasized: “Ukraine requires a new modus operandi for its energy system. Decentralized renewable energy solutions offer a resilient strategy for Ukraine’s energy security, aligning with climate goals and reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy.”
The Special Envoy for Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Erica Schouten, highlighted the urgency of sustainable solutions: “Ukrainian winters are long, and merely restoring damaged equipment will not suffice. Ukraine needs two things today: a) enhanced air defense systems, and b) a more decentralized and sustainable national energy system. The Netherlands stands ready to fully support Ukraine, including advancing renewable energy systems through both financial and insurance instruments.”
Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the UWEA Board and head of the Ukrainian delegation, addressed the session “Uniting Investment and Innovation: Strategies for Ukraine’s Energy Transition” by underscoring wind energy’s pivotal role in developing a decentralized energy framework: “Ukraine has many strategies and plans for renewable energy development, but success hinges on a unified vision and shared goals, as seen in the EU. Wind energy projects must attain the status of Overriding Public Interest. Furthermore, the effective utilization of Ukraine’s renewable energy potential, including wind capacity, requires a balanced regulatory environment, robust state support, and investment facilitation tools.”
Andriy Gerus, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Utilities Services, echoed this sentiment, stating: “In today’s Ukrainian reality, the question is not whether to rebuild existing facilities or construct new ones. We demand a comprehensive approach, which necessitates a decentralized system with generation closer to consumers.”
UWEA extends its gratitude to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands and the NedZero Association for organizing the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
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