Deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the United States of America in the field of energy is an important area of bilateral relations, which will also contribute to strengthening the energy security of the European continent.
This was emphasized by the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko during a discussion on the role of the United States in the Ukrainian energy sector, organized by the Atlantic Council.
“I am sure that the energy sphere is key to our joint interests,” the head of the Ministry of Energy emphasized during his speech.
German Galushchenko noted that Ukraine and the United States already have significant results in nuclear energy cooperation. In particular, thanks to the cooperation of the Ukrainian company Energoatom with the American company Westinghouse, the russian monopoly on the fuel market for VVER-440 type reactors was broken. Moreover, in cooperation with another American company – Holtec – a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel has been built in Ukraine. Bilateral cooperation is also being implemented in the areas of fuel assemblies and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
In addition, he highlighted the prospects for deepening cooperation between the countries, especially in the gas sector, and recalled that Ukraine has the largest underground gas storage facilities in Europe, which can be used to meet the needs of the region, significant gas deposits in its subsoil, and interconnectors that link the Ukrainian gas pipeline network with European countries.
Among the promising areas of cooperation are also renewable energy sources and the electricity sector, particularly in view of Ukraine’s integration into European energy markets.
“There is a huge opportunity to also become a major player on the European market for electricity exports from Ukraine to Europe. This is also a matter of energy security and security of supply – to share our experience of operating the system under attacks,” the Minister of Energy added.
He recalled that an agreement has already been reached with the European Union on the full integration of the Ukrainian electricity market with the European one. This will facilitate cross-border electricity trade, increase the revenues of renewable energy producers, and introduce new services.
“I really believe that cooperation between the United States and Ukraine is truly a key issue for the security of supply for the whole Europe,” German Galushchenko summarized.
