In light of the evolving energy landscape and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we delve into the potential for Ukraine and Romania to collaborate in advancing their energy sectors and accelerating the transition to green energy. Our interviewee, Vitaliy Daviy, CEO of IB Centre, and a board member of the Solar Energy Association of Ukraine, provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities and how cross-border partnerships can reshape the region’s energy future. We are now publishing an excerpt from the interview that will appear in the next issue of Energynomics Magazine!
Given the evolving energy landscape and recent geopolitical developments, how do you envision the potential for cooperation between Ukraine and Romania to collectively advance their energy sectors and accelerate the green transition?
Not too long ago, Ukraine ranked among the top 10 European countries with the most advanced renewable energy sectors, specifically in the rapidly developing solar energy market, holding the number one position in Central and Eastern Europe. Since 2010, Ukraine has made a significant “quantum” leap in the development of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks. Between 2018 and 2021, a robust new segment of residential solar stations emerged in Ukraine, and legislation on green energy certificates was effectively implemented. As of January 1, 2022, Ukraine boasted approximately 140,000 solar rooftops.
However, due to Russian aggression, more than 40% of green energy facilities in Ukraine, including wind farms, solar power stations, and hydroelectric power plants, have been either destroyed or taken out of operation.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian companies possess invaluable expertise, which can serve as a foundation for productive collaboration with European partners. This collaboration can encompass the realization of new projects in Romania and the active participation of Romanian companies in initiatives aimed at recovering Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Like Ukraine, Romania is also committed to enhancing the resilience and flexibility of its energy system, primarily through decentralization.
We’ve heard exciting news about the upcoming solar energy conference you’re organizing in Bucharest this October. Could you provide us with a sneak peek into the key themes and highlights that the participants can expect from this event?
Romania’s successes in the field of solar energy are truly inspiring. In particular, the promising plans of the Ministry of Energy for decentralizing energy supply in private and communal sectors are noteworthy. These initiatives have the potential to serve as a catalyst not only for Ukraine but also for other countries in the region.
I believe that a new chapter in the development of renewable energy in the region will be written during the CISOLAR 2023 Bucharest, the 11th Solar Energy Conference and Trade Show of Central and Eastern Europe, scheduled for October 30-31 in Bucharest. This event will bring together leaders from relevant ministries of various countries, including Romania, European parliamentarians, and key players in the solar energy sector.
The main objective is to synchronize the legislative, financial, and technological components of renewable energy development in the region with the challenges that countries face due to war and climate issues. To proponents of nuclear energy, I want to emphasize that the world has never been closer to a major nuclear catastrophe due to the war in Ukraine, where there are five nuclear power stations. Each of these stations could potentially become a nuclear bomb. Do you really want to build potential nuclear bombs across Europe?
CISOLAR 2023: Illuminating the Future of Solar Energy in Central and Eastern Europe
Conferences like CISOLAR 2023 in Bucharest play a crucial role in knowledge exchange and industry collaboration. Could you share with our readers what your expectations are from this solar energy conference in fostering cross-border partnerships, sharing cutting-edge insights, and driving the sustainable energy agenda forward?
The goal of CISOLAR 2023 Bucharest is to establish an effective communication platform for all stakeholders in the region’s solar energy industry. Traditionally, CISOLAR has been an event where new ambitious projects are discussed, and multi-million-dollar agreements are reached. We expect that CISOLAR 2023 Bucharest will serve as a powerful catalyst for the development of solar energy in Romania, Ukraine, and the Central and Eastern European region as a whole.