Strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the energy sector is a key area of partnership that will also enhance the energy security of the European continent, the Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko has said during a discussion on the role of the U.S. in Ukrainian energy, hosted by the Atlantic Council.
“I am confident that the energy sector is central to our shared interests,” the minister stressed in his speech.
German Galushchenko highlighted the significant progress already made in nuclear energy cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. Notably, collaboration between Ukraine’s Energoatom and the American company Westinghouse has broken russia’s monopoly on fuel for VVER-440 reactors. Additionally, in partnership with another U.S. company, Holtec, Ukraine has built a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. Bilateral cooperation is also advancing in the areas of fuel assemblies and the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
He further noted opportunities to deepen ties, particularly in the gas sector, pointing out that Ukraine possessed Europe’s largest underground gas storage facilities, which could serve regional needs, as well as significant gas reserves and interconnectors linking Ukraine’s gas pipeline system to European countries.
Among other promising areas of cooperation are renewable energy and the electricity sector, especially in light of Ukraine’s integration into European energy markets.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for Ukraine to become a major player in the European market by exporting electricity to Europe. This is also a matter of energy security and reliability of supply – leveraging our experience in operating the system under attack,” the minister added.
He recalled that an agreement had already been reached with the EU for the full integration of Ukraine’s electricity market with the European market. This will facilitate cross-border electricity trade, increase revenues for renewable energy producers and introduce new services.
“Undoubtedly, cooperation between the United States and Ukraine is truly a key issue for regional energy security in Europe,” German Galushchenko concluded. (Government portal)