URC 2023: Ukraine and United Kingdom sign Energy Partnership agreement

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have signed a memorandum on establishing an energy partnership between the two nations, on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London.

 

One of the key provisions of the memorandum is the establishment of the "InnovateUkraine" Green Innovation Challenge Fund with a total budget of 62 million pounds sterling. This initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine's energy security by investing in energy innovation projects for the recovery and modernisation of the country's energy infrastructure.

Oleksandr Riepkin, Member of the Board of the Energy Association  "Ukrainian Hydrogen Council", emphasized the importance of this partnership for Ukraine. He believes that this strategic partnership with the United Kingdom will aid Ukraine in implementing innovative technologies in renewable energy, particularly in the area of green hydrogen production, and specifically in accelerating the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Under the terms of the memorandum, the United Kingdom commits to support the Ministry of Energy as part of a new Clean Energy Partnership, and to continue collaboration under the "Ukraine's Resilience and Energy Security" (URES) program. This includes technical cooperation, grants within the framework of official development assistance, and facilitating trade and investments in areas such as small modular nuclear power plants, "green" hydrogen and other renewable gases, solar micro/mini-grids, solar systems for small households, energy efficiency, onshore and offshore wind energy, carbon market development, and others.

"Together with the United Kingdom, we intend to support the rapid revival and restoration of Ukraine, building a prosperous and resilient European nation. URC23 emphasizes the importance of the role of the private sector and the need for reforms to attract investments that will promote sustainable and ecological development of Ukraine,"- said Oleksandr Riepkin.

FCDO support will be coordinated through the G7+ group for energy support of Ukraine. According to the URES Program, resources will be provided to Ukraine's energy sector in the near future for the repair of damaged infrastructure and the restoration of access to electricity, gas, and heat. The URES program is focused on the "green" and energy-efficient recovery of infrastructure.

"We are sincerely grateful to the United Kingdom for its support in our efforts to utilize renewable energy sources," said Oleksandr Riepkin. "This memorandum on energy partnership underscores our joint commitment to building a resilient and responsible future energy system."