How energy security is important for sustainable development and decent living conditions, Serhiy Shemliy, the winner of the Essay Contest on energy security, which was held by the USAID Energy Security Project (ESP), shared in his essay with online.ua.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy security as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources and the possibility of using them at an affordable price.
My vision of energy security echoes the one provided by IEA specialists.
For me, energy security for Ukraine means sustainable energy supplies for industries, the general population, and all other consumers and transparent and equal access to energy services. It also includes the development of the energy sector in compliance with environmental standards and respective international agreements (e.g., the Paris Agreement).
I think that paragraph 54 of the Strategy for National Security of Ukraine contains a concise and clear justification for developing Ukraine’s energy security: ‘No economic development and security will be possible without a sustainable development of the energy sector.”
All economic activities in the country, as well as its capability to defend itself, heavily depend on the availability of energy resources.
For instance, in the 4th quarter of 2022, the GDP of Ukraine dropped by 31.4 percent y/y, mainly due to Russia’s missile terror that primarily targeted energy facilities.
In addition to ensuring economic development, strong energy security provides citizens with decent and comfortable living environments. It is what energy security means to me, personally.
It means having access to the blessings of civilization, such as electricity, hot water, heating, and public transport. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, I used to view all these things as something normal. Yet Russia’s crimes demonstrated how much we all were dependent on energy.
Every Ukrainian may contribute to strengthening energy security through responsible energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency.
The problem is that the primary threat to Ukraine’s energy security is the heavy dependence on import supplies.
So, lower consumption could reduce imports and thus strengthen our energy security. For example, in August 2023, electricity consumption in Ukraine was at a record high due to abnormally high temperatures.
Emergency supplies from some neighbouring countries helped to meet the growing demands. Indeed, these supplies were covered by the state budget.
Thus, energy security is the foundation of the economy and social spheres, without which no sustainable development and decent living environment would be possible.
Every Ukrainian may contribute to the country’s energy independence by conscious consumption and increasing energy efficiency.
