Ukraine Could Become Europe’s External Hydrogen Supplier
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) commenced on the 11th and 12th June in Berlin, marking the beginning of a crucial two-day event aimed at rallying international support for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernisation efforts.
Europe focuses on unlocking Ukraine’s hydrogen potential
Iaroslav Kryl, CEO of Hydrogen Ukraine, took the stage as a speaker at the Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor Roundtable. This event underscored the critical importance of decarbonisation and Energy Security – key priorities on the EU agenda. The expanding role of Clean Hydrogen was also explored in these efforts.
As Europe anticipates a swift rise in demand for clean hydrogen, its local production capacity remains limited. Consequently, the European industry is eyeing external suppliers, with Ukraine emerging as a prime candidate.
Ukraine’s structural advantages, like favorable Renewable Energy resources, land availability, and a well-developed gas transportation system linked to the European network – position it as a potential key supplier of clean hydrogen to Europe.
Kryl highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to seize this opportunity by presenting two significant Hydrogen Valley projects developed by Hydrogen Ukraine.
He also highlighted the company’s success in securing a grant through the Innovate Ukraine competition, funded by UK International Development, for a hydrogen project in the Odessa region. This competition was originally announced during the previous Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in 2023.
The roundtable discussions focused on unlocking Ukraine’s hydrogen potential, covering potential financing sources, offtake agreements, regulatory frameworks, and coordination among multiple stakeholders.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees a transition to hydrogen
Worth mentioning, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s natural advantages for modern energy during his speech on the first day of the conference.
He asserted that while gas generation will address current energy shortages, a transition to hydrogen will eventually balance the new “green” energy landscape.
The Ukraine-EU Hydrogen Corridor Roundtable marks a significant step towards harnessing Ukraine’s capabilities in clean Hydrogen Production, positioning it as a pivotal player in Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.
The URC2024 brings together government representatives, business leaders, and civil society organizations from around the world, united in their commitment to support Ukraine through its challenging times.
The outcomes of URC2024 are anticipated to set a strong foundation for Ukraine’s future, ensuring resilience and growth in the post-war era.
Byline: Reinis Alksnājs
