In Ukraine, there is a great potential for a comprehensive green transition through, among other things, a large expansion of renewable energy resources, ambitious energy efficiency improvements and a modernization of the district heating system.
The overarching focus of the cooperation between Denmark and Ukraine is to promote a green and resilient energy system, including to prepare for the country’s integration into the EU as well as ensuring that the reconstruction of the energy sector happens in a way that contributes to achieving Ukraine’s energy and climate targets.
How Danish experiences can contribute to Ukraine’s green transition
Denmark and Ukraine have cooperated on energy since 2014. Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the efforts of the cooperation have been restructured to also deliver emergency technical assistance and providing technical support to the energy sector in both a short- and long-term perspective.
Since the full-scale invasion, the energy system has been a key target of continuous Russian attacks. However, despite the difficult conditions posed by the war, the program has developed into a well-functioning, extensive collaboration with high engagement from all parties. Today, the program covers the following areas of cooperation:
- Integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid
- Long-term energy modelling
- Energy efficiency
- District heating
- Wind power
- Biomethane
These are all areas in which Denmark have core competencies and which are central to Ukraine's reconstruction.
The Ukrainian partners have high ambitions on the green agenda. The most important priorities are related to preparing for integration with the EU’s energy markets as well as promoting enhanced security of supply and energy independence, including through a decentralization of the power production.
Cooperation between Danish and Ukrainian authorities
Ukrainian partners include Ministry of Energy, Ministry for Development of Communities & Territories, State Agency of Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving, as well as Ukrenergo (TSO), the Ukrainian Gas TSO and the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC). Danish partner institutions include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
The energy cooperation is financed via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Danish-Eastern Neighbourhood Program (DANEP). The current phase of the cooperation – Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Program (UDEPP) – runs from 2021 until 2026 and is anchored in the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and Ministry for Development of Communities & Territories.