Launch of the Europe-Ukraine Energy Transition Hub (EUETH)

Brussels, October 25, 2023 — Today, a consortium of Ukrainian, European, and international partners, including the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM), Breakthrough Energy, and the Yaroslav Mydryi National Law University Kharkiv, launched the Europe-Ukraine Energy Transition Hub (EUETH) in the presence of European Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs Yuliia Svyrydenko. EUETH aims to leverage the reconstruction of Ukraine’s energy sector through technological innovation and regulatory modernisation to help bring about a prosperous and vibrant economy in the postwar period.

EUETH’s scientific foundation is built upon comprehensive preliminary technical, financial, and legal studies conducted by the project consortium over the past months. These studies have culminated in a strategy designed to turn Ukraine into a pioneer in the deployment of innovative clean technologies. This strategy also provides guidance for shaping and regulating Ukraine’s energy market, enabling its seamless integration into the European energy market. This integration not only enhances energy security and independence but also aligns with the climate objectives of both Ukraine and the European Union.

During the launch event, the project partners presented the findings of the preliminary studies and discussed the next steps for EUETH and the Ukrainian energy sector. Moving forward, EUETH will bolster its research hubs in Berlin and Kyiv, continuing to produce dedicated research and policy dialogue on Ukraine’s energy transition. This will provide support to the efforts of Ukrainian, European, and international stakeholders and institutions to strengthen Ukraine’s governance, regulatory frameworks, and market mechanisms in the field of energy, sustainability, and climate action, ensuring a safer, more dynamic, and more prosperous future for Ukraine, its people, and its partners. Moreover, in addition to supporting government and private-sector reconstruction efforts, EUETH will serve as an open platform for collaboration with other initiatives in Ukraine, such as the newly launched Green Deal Ukraina.

“While providing unwavering support to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal invasion, we must also work for the reconstruction and modernisation of the country’s economy and energy system in line with the EU’s objective for climate neutrality. An improved energy governance, closely harmonised with the ambitious EU regulations, can lead Ukraine on the way to integrate further in the EU market and build a competitive and decarbonised energy system which relies on renewable energy, energy efficiency and an enhanced role for storage and infrastructure. Initiatives such as the Europe-Ukraine Energy Transition Hub can help accelerate this process together with the transition towards net-zero emissions”, says Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič.

“Climate neutrality and green transition and reducing carbon emissions to a minimum are the key principles of Ukraine’s recovery. We aspire to be among the climate-neutral countries, those that are energy-independent and have export potential in this field. Therefore, we welcome the initiatives of our European partners in launching of the EUETH. I am confident that it will contribute to the future strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector”, says Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs of Ukraine.

Ann Mettler, Vice-President, Europe at Breakthrough Energy says: “It is never too early to start thinking about the reconstruction of Ukraine. Efforts made now to help Ukraine rebuild using the most sustainable standards and principles will enable the country to become a pioneer in the deployment of innovative clean technologies and an exemplary clean energy power. Integrating the Ukrainian energy system with the European one is complex that will require regulatory alignment, and that is why we are supporting the Europe-Ukraine Energy Transition Hub.”

“We are pleased that our initiative to develop a systematic approach for the energetic reconstruction of Ukraine has received such significant resonance with the European Commission and the Ukrainian government. The launch of the Europe-Ukraine Energy Transition Hub is a milestone in our efforts to reshape Ukraine’s energy landscape”, says Prof. Christian Held, Chairman of the Advisory Board of IKEM.

“This achievement is a testament to the exceptional cooperation and coordination among the project consortium members and our common vision for a more sustainable and resilient future for Ukraine. We want to thank our international and Ukrainian partners for their outstanding work, and we look forward to further strengthening our collaboration and building upon the remarkable progress we’ve made”, concludes Dr. Simon Schäfer-Stradowsky, Managing Director of IKEM.