In a major push towards sustainable energy, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved the National Green Energy Plan, which aims to achieve a 27% share of renewable energy in the country's overall energy mix by 2030. This ambitious plan is part of Ukraine's broader goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 35% of the 1990 levels by 2030.
The plan is critical as Ukraine continues to rebuild its energy infrastructure, heavily impacted by Russia's ongoing aggression, including missile strikes and drone attacks on critical energy facilities. By the end of 2022, Ukraine had reached 9.5 GW of green energy capacity, but approximately 25% of this was lost due to the war. The situation is particularly dire for wind power, with 75% of the capacity in occupied territories, and around 14% of solar power plants similarly affected.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine has made notable progress. In 2023, nearly 10% of the country's electricity was generated from solar and wind power, and with the restoration of major hydroelectric power stations, the share of green energy reached 20.3%. Over the past two years, Ukraine added more than 650 MW of new renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, bioenergy, and small hydropower projects.
The National Green Energy Plan aligns with European Union norms and standards, aiming to integrate 27% renewable energy into the gross energy output by 2030. This includes specific targets for the energy sector, with plans to achieve 27% in water supply systems, 33% in heating and cooling, 29% in electricity generation, and 17% in the transport sector.
The plan also emphasizes the importance of developing renewable energy projects in energy-deficient regions and prioritizes the expansion of small hydropower, solar, and wind energy. By 2030, Ukraine plans to increase electricity generation from renewable sources to 44,000 GW*year, contributing significantly to the country's energy security and resilience.
As Ukraine aligns itself with the EU's "Clean Energy for Europeans" initiative and prepares for potential EU membership, the successful implementation of this plan will be a key step in achieving a greener, more sustainable energy future for the nation.
