The fossil fuels support Ukrainian energy sector in the wartime, but for future we need to focus on decarbonization – Olena Pavlenko during the 15th EaP CSF Annual Assembly
DiXi Group President Olena Pavlenko took part in the panel “European Green Deal and Post-war Reconstruction of Ukraine: Towards Energy and Environmental Security in the Eastern Partnership Region”, which took place in Brussels on November 16.
The discussion focused on how to ensure compliance with the principles of decarbonization, climate neutrality, and environmental protection in the reconstruction of Ukraine. It was also discussed how to combine the principles of the European Green Deal and overcome current challenges in the energy and environmental security of Ukraine and the entire Eastern Partnership region.
“The fossil fuels support the Ukrainian energy sector in wartime, but for the future we need to focus on decarbonization. The Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2050 has already committed to full sector decarbonization. The Ministry of Energy will present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 a Net zero Roadmap. Our team also supports the Government in developing the National energy and climate plan (NECP)”, Olena Pavlenko stated in her speech.
The expert also informed that public consultations on the Plan will begin on November 27, and continue after the COP. The document will include the Decarbonization Roadmap goals, the Energy Strategy goals and the Ukraine Facility priorities.
The president of DiXi Group reminded that last winter Russians carried out 1,200 attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and noted that one of the conclusions of last winter’s energy attacks was decentralized generation.
“Territorial communities share with us their own experience of what helps them maintain energy resilience. What they recognize as effective and what they need is decentralized electricity generation. And here we have good examples. The city of Zhytomyr is resilient,” the expert emphasized.
According to Olena Pavlenko, Ukraine can contribute to the global energy security debate.
“We have many lessons learnt, such as the importance of strengthening the resilience of the energy system and how to do it. We have requests coming from Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries on how to become more resilient, there will be more such requests”, she added.
She also spoke about the most critical needs of Ukraine on the eve of winter:
“We think this year we will have less frequent attacks, but more targeted – the Russians will try to use missiles as effectively as possible. So having more air defense systems is vital”.
Another important aspect is repair. Companies still need equipment, especially that which is not supplied in sufficient quantities. For example, cars for repair teams and cables. Donors are now using the AidEnergy system, a digital platform that allows for better communication between stakeholders and a clearer picture of needs and supplies.
We thank the organizers of the 15th Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum for the opportunity to speak. The discussion was moderated by Nataliya Andrusevych, Chair of the Governing Board, Resource and Analysis Center “Society and Environment”.
