Ukraine is making significant strides towards increasing its renewable energy production, with wind energy being a key focus. In order to accelerate the development of wind power in the country, the head of the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association, Andriy Konechenkov, has called on the country’s parliament to make necessary changes to legislation.
In an interview with the TV channel “Pravyy”, Konechenkov emphasized the importance of implementing policies that would encourage and support the construction of wind power facilities in Ukraine. He highlighted the potential of wind energy to not only provide clean and sustainable energy, but also to create jobs and boost the country’s economy.
Currently, Ukraine’s wind energy sector is still in its early stages, with only a handful of wind farms in operation. However, the country has a vast potential for wind energy, with an estimated capacity of over 50,000 megawatts. This potential has caught the attention of international investors, with several European companies already investing in wind power projects in Ukraine.
Despite this potential, the development of wind energy in Ukraine has been hindered by bureaucratic obstacles and outdated legislation. Konechenkov believes that the Ukrainian parliament has a crucial role to play in removing these barriers and creating a more favorable environment for wind energy development.
One of the main changes that Konechenkov suggests is the simplification of the permitting process for wind power projects. Currently, obtaining all the necessary permits and approvals can take up to two years, which significantly delays the construction of wind farms. Konechenkov proposes streamlining this process and reducing the timeline to six months, in line with international standards.
Another important change is the introduction of a feed-in tariff for wind energy. This is a guaranteed price that energy producers receive for every unit of electricity they generate from renewable sources. Currently, Ukraine has a feed-in tariff for solar energy, but not for wind energy. Konechenkov argues that implementing a feed-in tariff for wind energy would make it a more attractive investment for both domestic and foreign companies.
In addition, Konechenkov stresses the need for the government to provide financial support for the development of wind energy. This could include tax incentives, subsidies, and other forms of financial assistance to help cover the high initial costs of building wind farms.
The benefits of accelerating wind energy development in Ukraine are numerous. Not only would it reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions, but it would also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. Furthermore, with the increasing demand for renewable energy globally, Ukraine has the potential to become a major player in the wind energy market and attract significant investments.
In conclusion, the Ukrainian parliament has a crucial role in unlocking the potential of wind energy in the country. By making necessary changes to legislation and providing support for wind power development, Ukraine can accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable and cleaner energy future. It is time for the country’s leaders to take action and pave the way for a brighter and greener future for Ukraine.
