The European Union (EU) and Ukraine are planning to increase cooperation in the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors to aid development in the country, which has had its energy system severely damaged by Russian attacks, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.
In a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU), the EU and Ukraine said they would improve regulatory, financial and environmental conditions to “significantly accelerate the deployment of renewable energy in Ukraine” and attract investment to the sector, the 31 January report said.
According to government officials, about 40% of Ukraine’s energy system has been damaged by Russian strikes, leaving the country with a huge need for investment in reconstruction.
In January, the EU said it would deliver 1,000 generators to Ukraine from a reserve in Poland, following an earlier delivery of 1,400, Reuters wrote.
The draft agreement would look beyond emergency provisions and aim to support Ukraine in building up renewable energy and emerging low-carbon sectors despite the ongoing conflict, the report said.
As part of the agreement, the EU and Ukraine would share information on demand forecasts for hydrogen and renewable gases, such as biomethane, and coordinate how they were certified.
“The aim is to provide potential investors with maximum clarity on the development of the industry and on the market for these gases,” the draft said.
It was not clear from the draft if the cooperation would be restricted to hydrogen produced from renewable electricity – which the EU wanted to expand to meet climate goals – or if it would also cover other types, Reuters wrote.
