By Kevyn Orr
As Ukraine descends into conflict and crisis, an opportunity presents itself. Although unfortunate, it is likely that a large part of Ukraine’s energy grid will be disturbed or destroyed. If the nation will need to rebuild its energy infrastructure, the avenue opens to introduce renewables and other forms of clean energy into Ukraine. With assistance from NATO, the EU, and private entities, post-war Ukraine could fully transition to clean and renewable energy, serving as an example for the rest of the world’s transition.
Russia transports and utilizes oil and gas to buyer nations across the globe, although these agreements will likely cease to exist post-war. This presents the need for Ukraine to generate its own energy, which could come from nuclear power. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Ukraine already generates 21% of its domestic energy through nuclear reactions. The country can improve on this existing strength by updating its energy infrastructure, which the EIA has already identified as lacking because of its few investments. According to the Office of Nuclear Energy, nuclear power plants are the most efficient form of clean energy, as they are only significantly restrained by the amount of nuclear waste they generate. By renovating Ukraine’s existing reactors and building new ones, Ukraine could become a net energy exporter. This would help Ukraine separate itself further from Russia and expand its economy, as Ukraine currently relies on other nations for nearly 35% of its energy demand, as stated by the EIA. When it inevitably comes time for Ukraine to rebuild its energy infrastructure, the country must choose to develop its existing backbone of nuclear energy production to better serve the environment and establish itself as a more economically independent nation.
All efforts to repair and rebuild Ukraine after the war is resolved will prove difficult. NATO must offer assistance in building a green Ukraine. The combined strengths and technologies of NATO member nations hold great power to aid Ukraine’s infrastructure and defense capabilities. If the war does not result in Russian occupation or the annexation of Ukraine, NATO member states that enter the country to aid in general post-war recovery would bear the responsibility to ensure that new energy infrastructure establishes clean energy sources. Additionally, NATO should invest in powering Ukrainian defense installations with domestically produced clean energy. This could be promoted by NATO taking an active role in rebuilding a destroyed Ukraine, as it did in previous conflicts within Afghanistan. In no way would such a presence be required, but NATO member nations’ organizations dedicated to international aid from member states could help plan and develop domestic clean energy. NATO member states could also give funds to Ukraine for the express purpose of researching and installing renewable energy. NATO’s role in rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure would need to involve funding, protecting, and informing a Ukrainian switch to clean energy.
The EU could also play a principal role in developing renewable energy production in Ukraine. Germany leads the EU in the switch to clean energy and has already exhibited progress toward its ambitious goals to obtain 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency. Germany’s switch away from fossil fuels is likely to expand throughout the EU. When rebuilding Ukraine, the EU should take up the brunt of this challenge. European advisors and consultants could be sent to Ukraine to assist their engineers in redesigning the Ukrainian energy grid.
Ukraine already has nuclear infrastructure; French engineers familiar with France’s remarkably successful nuclear energy program could offer their atomic technologies to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine could be connected to the synchronous grid of Continental Europe. As the rest of Europe switches to renewables, this energy would supplement Ukraine until its portion of the new renewable grid could be installed.
The global energy market impacts Ukraine’s reconstruction into a renewable-energy powered nation more immediately than any other factor. As gas prices rise, the energy market has begun to favor alternative energy sources as more viable options, according to the Financial Times. Renewable energies are likely to only become more economical: gas prices have only begun to increase as a result of war, and regulations against heavy greenhouse gas emitters will continue to take effect. Similarly, if Ukraine’s former infrastructure is destroyed, it will become more economical to invest in renewable energies as the country rebuilds. It is also clear that the market rewards companies focused on renewables, especially in light of the war: “As stocks plummeted on Thursday in reaction to Russia’s invasion, the European Renewable Energy Index surged as much as 9.3 percent,” Inside Climate News reported the day after Russia invaded Ukraine. This surge indicates that investors and consumers see renewable energy as the path forward.
Instead of creating dependencies on oil from other nations, nations should invest in their energy sectors. As renewables become a more economical choice, developing countries will favor them in establishing independence from larger nations. Furthermore, companies in nations including a post-war Ukraine should see investment into domestic renewable energy as a profitable and worthwhile venture rather than a mandated hassle. Through investment into post-war Ukraine from domestic and international sources, a market can determine the most efficient way to build a renewable grid in Ukraine that will last.
Effectively rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure must involve numerous alliances and organizations. These groups would improve upon present nuclear energy production and develop the next generation of such infrastructure. Renewables, like nuclear energy, offer long-term viability and economic incentive, garnering investment by private companies. It is only through a combined effort that Ukraine can be reconstructed into a stronger, energy independent, and sustainable nation.
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