The modern world is experiencing a fundamental transformation of the energy sector. The transition to renewable energy sources has become not just an environmental trend but a strategic imperative of state policy in many countries. This process is driven by both global climate challenges and states’ desire to strengthen their energy security and independence.

Ukraine, following global trends, demonstrates serious intentions regarding the development of “green” energy. The government’s recent approval of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan until 2030 was an important step in this direction. The plan sets an ambitious goal – to increase the share of renewable energy sources in gross final consumption to 27%. This task appears particularly significant given the current challenges facing Ukraine’s energy system during wartime.

Analyzing international experience, it is worth noting the European Union’s comprehensive approach to stimulating renewable energy development. The European Green Deal program has become a catalyst for large-scale changes in the EU energy sector. European experience demonstrates that successful policy in green energy is based on a combination of economic incentives, regulatory mechanisms, and consistent state support for innovation.

Germany’s experience deserves special attention, where the Energiewende policy (Germany’s ongoing transition to low-carbon, environmentally safe, reliable, and affordable energy supply. The new system intends to rely heavily on renewable energy sources (particularly wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric power), energy efficiency, and energy demand management) has led to a real revolution in the energy sector. The implemented system of guaranteed “green” tariffs, preferential lending, and support for energy cooperatives has created a powerful impulse for renewable energy development. This experience is particularly relevant for Ukraine, which is now implementing a system of “green” auctions and seeking effective mechanisms to attract investments in the industry.

China, despite its traditional dependence on fossil fuels, has become a world leader in renewable energy investment. Large-scale state programs supporting manufacturers of solar and wind energy equipment have allowed the country not only to develop its own generating capacity but also to become a leading exporter of relevant technologies.

The Ukrainian model of stimulating renewable energy development, which is being formed today, takes into account the best global practices and adapts them to national conditions. The implementation of a pilot auction system for distributing support quotas for renewable energy producers is an important step in this direction. This mechanism should ensure transparency and competitiveness in the industry while stimulating the reduction of “green” electricity costs.

However, successful implementation of state policy in renewable energy requires addressing a number of systemic challenges. These include the need to modernize electrical grids, develop energy storage systems, and ensure power system balancing. Special attention needs to be paid to financing renewable energy projects under conditions of limited budget capabilities and high risks for private investors.

An important aspect of state policy should be supporting the localization of equipment production for renewable energy. This will not only create new jobs and stimulate economic development but also reduce dependence on technology imports.

The approved National Action Plan provides for the implementation of 38 specific measures aimed at achieving the set goals. Importantly, the document is harmonized with European norms and standards, which is particularly relevant in the context of Ukraine’s European integration aspirations.

Analysis of international experience and the current situation in Ukraine suggests that successful policy in green energy requires a systematic approach and long-term vision. Key success factors are regulatory environment stability, availability of effective financing and project insurance mechanisms, development of necessary infrastructure, and consistent state support for industry innovation.

Today, Ukraine has a unique opportunity to not just restore its energy system after war-related destruction but to make a qualitative transition to a more sustainable and environmental model of energy supply. Implementation of the approved National Action Plan will be an important step on this path, but its success will depend on the consistency of state policy and effective interaction of all stakeholders.

A consortium of civil society organizations (RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation, Ecoclub, Ecodia, Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation) is implementing the project “Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Ukraine,” which is being carried out by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). 16 pilot communities have been selected for the project. RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation cooperates with 4 communities, namely: Mena City Territorial Community, Konotop City Territorial Community, Sosnytsia Settlement Territorial Community, and Kremenchuk City Territorial Community. Renewable energy sources, specifically solar power plants, will be installed at 4 critical infrastructure facilities in these communities, enabling uninterrupted operation. Training has been conducted for employees at facilities with installed RES in each community.

The main goal of the proposed project is to help Ukrainian communities create decentralized (distributed) renewable energy systems for their own production and consumption. The project also aims to support and develop civil society that promotes energy transition and reduces environmental impact and climate change. These systems will be implemented in various public buildings such as schools, hospitals, kindergartens, elderly homes, as well as critical infrastructure facilities such as drinking water supply or heat supply enterprises. The project aims to demonstrate and communicate the benefits and economic feasibility of these systems, as well as support the investment base for scaling up similar approaches.

The project plans to promote the development of decentralized renewable energy systems in Ukrainian communities, inform about the economic and environmental benefits of these energy systems, install 16 solar power plants in 16 communities at critical infrastructure facilities, disseminate project results to other communities to expand its impact, and enhance local authorities’ capacity to implement RES projects.

The installation of 4 decentralized RES systems is planned: in Mena City Community – a hybrid solar power plant for the hospital with a capacity of 40.6 kW, in Sosnytsia Settlement Council – a hybrid solar power plant for the water utility with a capacity of 40.6 kW, in Konotop City Community – a hybrid solar power plant for the hospital with a capacity of 40.6 kW, in Kremenchuk City Community – a grid-connected solar power plant for the hospital with a capacity of 69.6 kW. The project also includes creating four videos about the construction process and RES operation results, conducting training for employees at facilities with installed RES in each community, holding an offline conference with participating communities, representatives of regional administrations and the public sector, and developing a “Community Transition to RES Concept by 2050” for each partner community. These comprehensive measures are aimed at stimulating sustainable development and energy independence of Ukrainian communities.

This project is part of the “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Ukraine” initiative, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).