By 2050, Ukraine will become Europe's hydrogen hub: Ukraine's Hydrogen Strategy has been presented
The draft Hydrogen Strategy of the country has appeared for the first time in Ukraine. Its implementation will allow not only to achieve real energy independence, but also to become a powerful producer of strategic energy carrier for the global market.
The presentation of the strategy took place on Energy Day, which is celebrated annually in Ukraine on December 22. The Hydrogen Transformation Plan of Ukraine was presented by its authors: Oleksandr Riepkin, Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Hydrogen Economy, President of the Energy Association “Ukrainian Hydrogen Council”, and Stepan Kudria, Professor, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Director of the Institute of Renewable Energy of NAS of Ukraine.
The first Hydrogen Strategy contains a complete list of measures needed for Ukraine's green transformation. In particular, the document identifies how the production and use of green hydrogen can help decarbonize Ukraine's economy and improve its condition.
“Hydrogen technologies are cross-sectoral, so they can be integrated into all major sectors of Ukraine's economy. In addition, hydrogen is a trend in the countries of our most important partner and consumer - the European Union. Therefore, Ukraine's hydrogen transformation is our chance not to catch up with European countries, but to keep up with them”, said Oleksandr Riepkin.
It will be recalled that at the Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels on December 15, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of developing hydrogen technologies. In particular, he said that "Ukraine is ready to become a leader in the development of hydrogen energy, which will allow our country to gain full energy independence and achieve climate neutrality."
“The President of Ukraine gave a powerful message, which testifies to the great attention of the leadership of our state to the development of a new industry. This is a new vision of reforms and model of our country's economy. I am confident that Ukraine's future hydrogen transition will ensure a synergy of changes in the interests of the state and the people", Oleksandr Riepkin stressed.
Hydrogen production and exports will be a powerful driver for the Ukrainian economy. Hydrogen technologies will help attract investment in the Ukrainian energy, industry and transport sectors. The state budget will receive additional billions in revenue, and people - hundreds of thousands of jobs.
In the first Hydrogen Strategy, the authors outlined:
- reasons to start the hydrogen transition today;
- the way to achieve Ukraine's energy security with the help of hydrogen;
- the timing of Ukraine's goal of becoming a hydrogen exporter to Europe;
- forecast of lower prices for “green” hydrogen, etc.
"Ukraine can fully provide itself with environmentally friendly, renewable energy. And hydrogen is an important component of our country's future energy independence. In addition, Ukraine will be a reliable supplier of hydrogen energy to EU countries due to its geographical location and huge potential for green hydrogen production using wind and solar stations", said Stepan Kudria.
The Strategy unites all areas of future hydrogen development - from R&D, research and innovation to the transformation of Ukraine into a global exporter of the newest energy carrier.
The immediate goal of Ukraine's Hydrogen Strategy is to increase additional hydrogen production capacity, develop a regulatory framework, expand the use of the latest fuel in the transport sector and start exporting Ukrainian hydrogen.
The hydrogen sector in Ukraine is expected to grow and diversify by 2030. The country will become a leader in hydrogen technology and a reliable partner of the EU. By 2050, the hydrogen market, including its export component, will expand rapidly. The result is that in 2050 Ukraine will already have a reputation as Europe's hydrogen hub.
The full version of the Hydrogen Strategy of Ukraine can be found here (In Ukrainian).