The Ukrainian Hydrogen Council at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025
On 9 July 2025, Oleksandr Riepkin, Vice President and Board Member of the Energy Association "Ukrainian Hydrogen Council," took part in a high-level roundtable co-organised by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine, UNDP Ukraine, and the Government of Italy.
The discussion focused on the topic: “Energy Solutions for Sustainable Regional Development: Investments, Innovation, and Resilience.” During the panel “Technology and Capital for Recovery: Innovation as the Engine of Regional Energy Resilience,” Oleksandr Riepkin shared his vision of hydrogen’s role as a key element in Ukraine’s green recovery.
“From decarbonising industry to stabilising regional energy systems, hydrogen offers not just a fuel — but a path to resilience, investment, and long-term growth. We are not merely talking about rebuilding, but about reimagining Ukraine’s energy future,” he said.
On 10–11 July, both Oleksandr Riepkin and Polina Kazakevych, President of the Ukrainian Hydrogen Council, continued representing the Association during the main sessions of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025. The conference has brought together over 100 official delegations, more than 40 international organizations, and nearly 2,000 representatives from business, regions, and local governments. Participants discussed the financing of regional projects, decentralization, investment, energy policy, and institutional reform — the key thematic pillars of URC2025.
The conference agenda covered a number of key discussions, including plenary sessions on financial strategies for recovery, as well as thematic panels focused on business development, regional growth, and reforms in the context of European integration.
The Ukrainian Hydrogen Council emphasizes the importance of energy and renewable sources as the foundation for Ukraine’s sustainable and forward-looking reconstruction. The transition to a resilient energy system is essential to ensuring both Ukraine’s energy security and the economic development of the wider region.
During the URC2025, the EU announced a new €2.3 billion package of agreements, expected to unlock up to €10 billion in investments for Ukraine's recovery. A substantial portion of this, €265 million, is specifically allocated to stabilize Ukraine's energy grid, rebuild renewable energy capacity, and improve energy efficiency. Another €600 million is designated for large-scale private sector projects in key sectors, including energy.
In addition, a new equity fund, European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, backed by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), France, and Germany, was announced with an initial capital of €220 million, aiming to mobilize €500 million by 2026.