The International Energy Agency (IEA) has presented a new report with recommendations for creating a decentralized and modern energy system in Ukraine. The analysis was presented during a meeting between IEA representatives and Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine.
The IEA report identifies key steps that will allow Ukraine to increase the resilience of its energy system and ensure its flexibility in the face of ongoing russian aggression. In particular, seven recommendations are proposed for creating a decentralized and modern energy system in Ukraine by 2030. These include improving the regulatory framework, reforming electricity markets, and strengthening coordination at the transmission and distribution levels.
The report also emphasizes the need to develop distributed generation, regional energy solutions, and strengthen coordination between government, business, and communities.
Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, noted that targeted russian attacks have already destroyed or damaged more than 10 GW of Ukraine's generating capacity, and the aggressor does not stop trying to destroy our energy infrastructure. "Distributed generation, gas turbines, cogeneration, renewable energy - in particular solar, wind, and geothermal - are key elements of our energy system's resilience. The Government-approved Strategy for the Development of Distributed Generation until 2035 allows us to focus on these areas," said the Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine.
He added that the Ministry is also actively cooperating with local communities, helping to implement solutions at the local level. According to him, the developed "energy passports of regions" will help determine consumption, connection possibilities, and ways of distributing energy within regions. In addition, an important role is assigned to the introduction of smart grids and financial instruments for businesses and households.
Roman Andarak thanked for the report and recommendations, noting the importance of professional expert exchange of views on the priority of further actions to develop Ukraine's energy system.
According to IEA experts, Ukraine needs to work to meet not only current electricity needs but also to plan for the future. The report emphasizes that a decentralized energy system, which includes the expanded use of rooftop solar panels, wind farms, battery systems, and small modular gas turbines, can mitigate the effects of attacks on the energy system and contribute to achieving Ukraine's long-term goals of energy security and decarbonization.
