Climate Change & Renewable Energy in Ukraine

If you would like to listen to our interview, the podcast episode is available at this link.

Q1: How is climate change’s effects on Ukraine ?

Climate change is having a significant impact on Ukraine, influencing various sectors and aspects of life in the country. Here are some key effects:

1. Agriculture: Ukraine, known as the “breadbasket of Europe,” is experiencing changes in agricultural productivity due to climate change. Increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns are affecting crop yields. Some regions are experiencing droughts, while others face excessive rainfall, both of which can harm crops like wheat, corn, and barley.

2. Water Resources: Changes in precipitation and temperature patterns are affecting water availability. Droughts are becoming more common, reducing water levels in rivers and reservoirs, which impacts agriculture, industry, and drinking water supplies.

3. Biodiversity

4. Human Health: Climate change is contributing to more frequent heatwaves, which can lead to heat-related illnesses and increase mortality rates. Additionally, changes in climate can affect the spread of diseases, with warmer temperatures potentially expanding the range of vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

5. Energy Sector: The energy sector is also impacted, particularly hydroelectric power, which is influenced by water levels in rivers. Reduced water availability can decrease hydroelectric power generation, leading to potential energy shortages.

7. Forestry: Forests in Ukraine are experiencing stress due to changing climate conditions. Increased temperatures and changes in precipitation can lead to more frequent forest fires and pest infestations, affecting forest health and productivity.

8. Coastal Areas: While Ukraine has a relatively small coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, rising sea levels and increased storm activity pose risks to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

9. Economic Impacts: The cumulative effects of climate change on agriculture, water resources, health, and infrastructure have broader economic implications. The costs of adapting to and mitigating these impacts can strain public finances and affect economic stability.

Adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on Ukraine’s economy, environment, and society.

Q2: What is EKOenergy ecolabel ?

EKOenergy ecolabel ensures electricity generated from renewable sources with additional environmental criteria. Companies benefit from using this label because it demonstrates their commitment to supporting sustainable energy production. EKOenergy eco labelled energy helps businesses meet corporate social responsibility goals, attract environmentally conscious customers, and differentiate themselves in the market.

It serves to inform consumers and businesses about the label and helps consumers find products and services using renewable energy that fulfills the criterias set by nature protection organizations. In contrast, the Guarantee of Origin (GO) and Energy Attribute Certificate (EAC) certifications specifically verify the renewable origin and environmental attributes of energy (electricity) produced from renewable sources. So, we can say GO as a passport but EKOenergy ecolabel is a diploma for companies.

The price of the EKOenergy eco-label is always fixed at 0.18 cents per megawatt-hour. Of this amount, 0.10 cents is allocated to funds for renewable energy projects in Low and middle income countries as funding.

Q3: Can you explain more about Climate fund and EKOenergy`s projects for Ukraine ?

• Since the beginning of the invasion, we have hosted Ukrainian volunteers in Helsinki, where our Secretariat is located. With the financial support of the European Solidarity Corps, we have been able to host 4 long-term Ukrainian volunteers so far.

• We participated in many demonstrations and signed open letters against the Russian aggression. We particularly supported campaigns to end the import of all Russian fossil fuels.

• In December 2022, we made our first financial contribution of 20,000€ from our marketing budget to the #renewables4ukraine campaign. Part of our contribution was used to bring solar power to a school in Irpin and a clinic in Bucha, areas that suffered a lot of damage during the initial months of the war. The rest of the grant supports the advocacy work of local renewable energy organisations, in particular the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association.

• June 2, 2023, EKOenergy Programme Manager Steven Vanholme and Ukrainian volunteer Tamara Soltys made an online presentation about the climate crisis, renewable energy and the work of our ecolabel to Ukrainian pupils at the Irpin Lyceum of Innovative Technologies.

Q4: What does the Ukrainian government do and what is the recent news in the sector ?

The Ukrainian government has been actively working to address the impacts of climate change through a variety of policies and initiatives. Here are some key actions and recent developments:

### Government Actions and Policies

1. National Climate Strategy: Ukraine has adopted a National Climate Strategy to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy sources.

2. Renewable Energy Development: The government is investing in renewable energy projects, particularly in wind and solar power. Ukraine aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions.

4. Afforestation and Reforestation

5. Water Resource Management

6. Climate Adaptation Plans

### Recent News and Developments

1. Green Deal and EU Integration: As part of its efforts to integrate with the European Union, Ukraine is aligning its environmental policies with the European Green Deal. This includes commitments to reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices.

2. Renewable Energy Projects: There has been significant progress in the development of renewable energy projects. For example, new wind farms and solar power plants have been inaugurated, contributing to Ukraine’s renewable energy capacity.

3. Legislation on Climate Change: Ukraine has passed several laws aimed at addressing climate change. Recent legislation includes measures to support the development of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and enhance environmental protection.

4. International Cooperation: Ukraine is actively participating in international climate initiatives and agreements. This includes collaboration with the EU, participation in COP conferences, and engagement with various international organizations focused on climate action.

5. Climate Financing: Ukraine is seeking to attract climate financing to support its climate action plans. This includes funding from international donors, development banks, and private sector investments in green projects.

### Specific Examples of Recent Initiatives

1. Construction of Wind Farms: New wind energy projects, such as the Syvash wind farm, which is one of the largest in Ukraine, have recently been completed. These projects are part of Ukraine’s strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity.

2. Energy Efficiency in Housing: Ukraine has launched programs to improve energy efficiency in residential buildings. This includes providing subsidies and incentives for homeowners to upgrade their heating systems, insulate buildings, and install energy-efficient windows.

3. Afforestation Efforts: Recent campaigns have focused on planting millions of trees to restore degraded lands and increase forest cover. These efforts are part of Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration.