Ukraine focuses on alternative energy development

Eduard Stavitskiy, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry, and Jan Kulczyk, President of the international environmental organization Green Cross, have signed a joint declaration supporting the strategic development of alternative energy in Ukraine. The signing took place on the sidelines of the conference, titled “Strategy of Green Energy Development – The Key to Sustained Development,” held in Kyiv on Nov. 4, 2013, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

Stavitskiy said Ukraine's unique geopolitical and geographical position can turn the country into a full-fledged player on the international stage. Implementation of "green" energy as a component of continuous development is essential, according to Stavitskiy, who said Ukraine  can us its water and wind energy potential to become a leader on the EU energy market.

Analysts say Ukraine has unique potential in the development of "green" energy, which can give a boost to economic development and become an important export item. 

According to energy analyts, the introduction of a "green" tariff significantly increased the attractiveness of Ukraine for foreign investors. The step also demonstrated the commitment of the government to ensure the dynamic development of "green" energy.

They also note that the Ukrainian government has drafted a number of laws aimed at the development of alternative and renewable energy.

Ukraine has created favorable conditions for realization of projects implying the increase of alternative energy sources use in the production of heat and electricity, experts say.

The benefits provided for the installation of renewable energy facilities are triple than those on other European countries. According to Stavitskiy, this has created a "boom" trend is shaping up in the field of solar energy.

As of Jan. 1, 2013, the installed capacity of power facilities that produce electricity from renewable sources is 645 MW. Some 36% of them were put into operation during 2012. Such facilities in 2012 produced by 2.35 times more electricity than in 2011.

It is expected Ukraine in 2013 will at least double the capacity of renewable energy facilities and will reach 1 GW with installed wind farms and solar power plants.