Renewable energy could save Ukraine, experts argue
A team of Ukrainian and international researchers, including Iryna Doronina from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), propose renewable energy sources as the foundation for rebuilding Ukraine's energy system.
According to their findings, published in the Joule magazine on Sept. 18, the country's major power plants have sustained significant damage from Russian attacks, and the power grid now requires comprehensive reconstruction.
Before the war, Ukraine had substantial generation capacity — about 59 GW, which exceeded the country’s domestic needs of 22 gigawatts. This excess allowed the country to endure the war conditions. However, losing control of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and persistent Russian air strikes on the power grid have led to widespread power outages across the country, including in Kyiv.
The researchers argue that a distributed power supply system based on renewable energy, such as solar and wind power stations, is the most resilient and suitable for Ukraine. This equipment can be installed more quickly and efficiently than traditional steam turbine generators. The team created detailed maps showing regions with the greatest potential for solar and wind energy use. They estimate that the capacity of such stations could reach 219 gigawatts, vastly surpassing pre-war figures.
The paper also emphasizes the importance of transparency and combating corruption in the reconstruction process. Their conclusions could serve as a basis for developing policies that encourage investment in renewable energy.
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