Due to Russian aggression, Ukraine lost almost all wind power – REN21

Due to Russian aggression, Ukraine lost almost all wind power – REN21 shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

Among the 17 countries of the region, Ukraine has achieved the greatest success in renewable energy

In Ukraine, due to the full-scale invasion of кussia, 90% of wind and 30% of solar power plants have been decommissioned.

This is stated in a new report ща REN21, a research center for renewable energy and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), informs Bloomberg.

The study examined the state of renewable energy in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Southeast and Eastern Europe, including russia, Ukraine, Albania, and Kazakhstan.

The report noted that among 17 countries in the region, Ukraine has achieved the greatest success in solar and wind energy. Thus, during 2017-2021, 8.3 GW of new capacities were installed, and 21 GW in the entire studied region.

A quarter of the region's total wind capacity and a fifth of its solar power were affected by the full-scale invasion.

"While the war has hampered growth in the short term, it has also highlighted the potential of domestic solar and wind generation to ensure energy independence," the report said.

Rana Adib, Executive Director of REN21, noted that this growth in renewable energy in the region until 2021 was mainly driven by favorable policies and falling costs of renewable energy technologies. However, energy security is currently a priority.

The report also noted that the region lags behind in improving the energy efficiency of buildings and expanding green transportation options. As of 2020, Ukraine had the highest share of electric transport among the block - 2.5%.

"The russian invasion of Ukraine and its spillover effect on neighboring countries undermines renewable energy production in the short term," Adib said. "At the same time, it shed new light on the benefits of a rapid energy transition and could lead to a surge in renewables in the region."

Earlier, EcoPolitic worte, that the executive director of the Association of Solar Energy of Ukraine Artem Semenyshyn called the war unleashed by russia in Ukraine also war against renewable energy.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, in Ukraine due to russian aggression damaged or more than 550 MW of solar power was destroyed power plants and domestic SPPs.

Related
ETS in Ukraine: a detailed analysis of all draft laws, without any unnecessary commentary
ETS in Ukraine: a detailed analysis of all draft laws, without any unnecessary commentary

Four draft laws, one carbon market and billions in future revenue: we break down who stands to gain what

The communities of Yaremche and Skole are destroying nature by exploiting their eco-friendly image — activists
The communities of Yaremche and Skole are destroying nature by exploiting their eco-friendly image — activists

The authorities are planning to clear the ancient forests of the Carpathians to make way for a new holiday resort, and to build yet another wind farm on the mountain pastures

A timeline of legislative initiatives relating to the NETS: key points of all draft bills
A timeline of legislative initiatives relating to the NETS: key points of all draft bills

Officials and members of parliament are offering different responses to two key questions: how much will companies have to pay for emissions, and who will receive the collected multibillion resources?

Forests and mountains sacrificed for renewable energy: activists urge the Rada not to vote for Bill No. 15122
Forests and mountains sacrificed for renewable energy: activists urge the Rada not to vote for Bill No. 15122

Parliamentary lawyers agree that the implementation of the provisions of the law will have a negative impact on land containing forests, marshes, water bodies and fields