Alexander Katsuba: Manifesto for energy independence

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Since the beginning of the Russian aggression in 2014, and especially after the full-scale invasion, we have come to value our independence and subjectivity. First and foremost, independence from those who are trying to kill you, deprive you of your own identity, or at least force you to follow their policies and interests. In fact, this is exactly what Russia has been doing for many decades. We did not immediately notice this, did not immediately realise that the empire had not changed after 1991, but only mimicked something new and modern. 

Among the other areas of Russian aggression – cultural, political, economic, informational, and ultimately military – a special place is occupied by energy. Attempts to monopolise the gas and oil markets, break into the nuclear power industry, and block the integration of Ukrainian and European energy have been going on for 30 years and are continuing even during the full-scale invasion. Russia uses various tools – bribery, political corruption, and has long used direct market influence and pressure. Discrediting Ukraine and its energy sector abroad has always played a special role.

We also made many mistakes along the way. We failed to build an adequate energy policy, implement antitrust legislation, develop alternative technologies and our own industry for the production of the necessary equipment and materials. And the first systemic energy saving programmes began to be implemented only after the annexation of Crimea and the Russian invasion of Donbas.

Therefore, we have had and still have objective problems with energy independence. We are dependent on external energy sources, our economy is one of the most energy inefficient in Europe, and we have no realistic energy strategy. And the document approved by the Ministry of Energy on the eve of the invasion is now outdated due to the demands of the times.

Russia’s war against Ukraine and global events in the world keep the issue of energy independence relevant for our country and economy. What does energy independence mean for a country? It is the ability to meet the needs of the national economy and all consumers with energy at prices that are adequate for economic development, without significant political or geopolitical risks, and taking into account the needs of environmental protection.

Achieving energy independence requires a clear and consistent government policy. We need political will. We need public investment in specialised education and research. Finally, huge investments are needed in the generation and transportation of all types of energy, as well as in energy saving to reduce energy costs per hryvnia of economic output.

And all of this requires an action plan. What should be our key priorities?

Priority No. 1 is to reduce Ukraine’s dependence on fossil fuels. And at least from imported fossil fuels. Because that’s what it is:

• It washes money out of the country and forces it to build complex political, economic and technological structures to get enough gas, oil, coal and refined products.
• It is a major source of pollution and long-term environmental and climate problems.