Maasikas: EU interested in Ukraine's integration into European hydrogen market

"The EU is interested in expanding cooperation with Ukraine in this area and in integrating Ukraine into the EU's hydrogen market, which is currently developing. This will require discussion of further transformation of the Ukrainian energy sector, the introduction of common rules and standards, as well as investment conditions," Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas told Ukrinform in an interview.

According to him, hydrogen production is very energy-intensive today. Therefore, its implementation should be focused on those sectors where it is most needed. This requires, in particular, the availability of sufficient amounts of renewable energy.

Therefore, the priority for Ukraine, also in terms of the development of hydrogen technologies, should be – as in the EU – a significant increase in renewable production capacity in the country.

"Hydrogen Europe, the European hydrogen industry alliance, estimates that in 2030 Ukraine could provide significant production of ammonia (from hydrogen) and hydrogen by renewable electricity, which can then be exported via pipelines to the EU. Much work remains to be done, and the EU can help facilitate the transportation of hydrogen to its markets," Maasikas added.

As reported, the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine and the Ministry of Energy develop a draft Strategy for Hydrogen Energy Development of Ukraine.

The hydrogen strategy envisages three key elements of hydrogen energy: production, transportation, and storage of hydrogen. According to expert recommendations, the implementation of the strategy will take place in three stages: 2021-2025, 2025-2030, and after 2030.

During each of these stages, the definition of the main tasks and areas of activity, infrastructure development, creation of the legal framework, and implementation of pilot projects and areas for cooperation are envisaged.

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