EU has something to learn from Ukraine in energy domain – expert’s opinion

Europe can learn a lot from Ukraine in the energy sector, namely with regard to maintaining the energy grid while under attack, and should also be interested in establishing cooperation in other areas related to energy.

The relevant statement was made by Breakthrough Energy Europe Vice President Ann Mettler in a conversation with Ukrinform.

“It’s very important to understand that this is not a one-way street. Of course, we need to help Ukraine, but Ukraine can help the European Union significantly,” Mettler noted.

In her words, Europe must be aware of the danger to its own energy grids and the possibility of facing potential disruptions in the operation of energy systems in one way or another, because energy systems become the target of cyber attacks, sabotage, etc.

Ukraine is at the forefront in this regard. Prior to real massive attacks on its energy system, including with glide bombs, Ukraine was doing an excellent job of maintaining its energy supplies, and is still doing its best.

“Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its energy grid while under attack have been heroic and are a lesson to us all regarding what it will take to build an energy resilient Europe,” Mettler emphasized.

The expert pointed out Ukraine’s huge potential with regard to the new clean energy technologies, such as renewable energy sources, green hydrogen, biomass, etc., but also in the field of critical raw materials and minerals that are needed to transition to the clean energy technologies. Currently, Europe is very dependent in this aspect on several countries, including autocracies, Mettler said. In her opinion, it is in the West’s own interests to help Ukraine develop this potential.

Another area, where Europeans can benefit from Ukraine’s experience and expertise, is digital technologies, including cyber security and cyber defense.

“This is definitely a weak spot here in the European Union. And I believe we have to learn from Ukraine in this domain,” Mettler stressed.

She also mentioned that Ukraine could be a leader in combining clean energy and digital technologies, which opens up a huge potential for energy efficiency, new business models, innovations, etc.

 “Ukraine can be at the forefront and help us regain some of the competitiveness that unfortunately we have lost,” Mettler added.

According to her, Russian aggression became an alarm signal for Europe as a whole, demanding that clean energy investments be doubled. With its competent personnel and abundant renewable and mineral resources, Ukraine is ready to become the key factor in this transformation.

“By developing a pipeline of cutting-edge technology projects and supporting Ukraine’s economic and political integration into the EU, we can jump-start the world’s first green post-war recovery,” Mettler concluded.

The expert admits that Europe used to be very naïve, as it allowed itself to become too dependent on Russian energy sources. Being overly dependent on a certain country, especially an autocracy, is a bad idea, Mettler stressed.

She expressed confidence that Ukraine could push Europe into action by helping to develop and place the new clean technologies and supplying critical minerals.

“For me this is a win-win situation and not a one-way street,” Mettler summed up.

A reminder that Breakthrough Energy is the umbrella name of several organizations, founded by Bill Gates in 2015, that aim to accelerate innovation in sustainable energy and in other technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It invests in a variety of startup companies that are attempting to commercialize new concepts such as nuclear fusion, large-capacity batteries to store renewable energy, and microbe-generated biofuels.

Photo: Olha Tanasiichuk