The 4th edition of the Ukrainian renewable energy industry’s annual event - RENPOWER UKRAINE INVESTORS 2021 – was held on January 27, 2021.

Maris Kunickis, CEO of DTEK Renewables, shared his expert opinion on the current state of renewable energy project developments in Ukraine during the event’s first session: ‘Ukraine`s energy sector – outlook, forecast and growth recovery strategies for 2021’. His comments addressed both the industry’s prospects and constraints:

• · Electricity producers in Europe have reduced their use of hydrocarbons and coal, and in turn increased the development of green generation. This sector has seen the most active development of new projects. In 2020, the EU generated 38% of all electricity from renewable sources (including hydro) – the highest rate in its history. Today, the market share of green generation, including hydro, in Ukraine is about 14%. The country has significant potential to increase this rate.
• · DTEK is the principal domestic investor in Ukraine’s energy sector. Total investments in renewable energy generation amount to 1.2 billion euros. This has significantly strengthened our country’s energy independence. Our green portfolio includes three solar and three wind power plants with a total capacity of 1 GW. We intend to increase green energy generation capacity in Ukraine, but we need a stable market and a clear action plan from the state to achieve this.
• · At the end of 2020, DTEK presented the company’s corporate strategy for the next 10 years. It foresees the transformation of our business and focuses on renewable energy projects. This is not the future, this is our present. Renewable energy already occupies a significant part of the national energy system, and it will continue to grow. Therefore, we expect particular attention to be given by the state to green generation and the establishment of conditions for developing these renewable energy sources.
• · Issues concerning the implementation of our investment plans in Ukraine and the construction of new capacities persist. Unfortunately, problems, such as the outstanding debt owed to renewable energy producers– as stipulated by the Memorandum and Law No. 810; and incomplete and irregular payments under the green tariff, remain unresolved in Ukraine. As a consequence, our green energy industry is shrouded in uncertainty.
• · Today, we need clear and long-term commitments from the state. In order to stabilize the renewable energy market, the state must fulfill its obligations towards producers and investors; and develop strategies which do not only consider one or two-year time periods, but rather the next five to ten years. Only then, will a clear path to development be set for the renewable energy market.