Of the importance of foreign experience in strengthening Ukraine's energy security, Kyrylo Kolomiyets, 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 energy security of Ukraine is essential, extremely complex, multifaceted, and one of the most relevant modern issues for my country.
The separate terms “security” and “energy” only partially reflect a deep understanding of energy security. Alone, they only provide a guide to the notions studied. The synergy of using these basic state categories together allows for a much deeper understanding of this meaning. It is the complex perception of the essence of energy security that provides a clear understanding of this term, the principles of its creation and functioning, regulatory mechanisms, areas of its application, and directions for strengthening and development.
We can consider Ukraine’s energy security at the state administration level. In this case, we discuss the general generation of electricity, the development of green energy, the production of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal, etc.), the energy balance, the development of the electricity market, the import-export of energy resources, the integration with the European energy market, the legal basis of the state energy policy and the internal electricity market, independence of the regulator, improving transit opportunities, cyber security, climate goals and the fight against climate change.
But all these issues are currently leveled at the issue of physical protection against destruction and damage. The energy system must function reliably in the conditions of modern challenges, guaranteeing the country with electricity, which is vital for the existence and development of the state.
At the regional and municipal levels, issues of decentralization and the energy system balancing, functioning of energy distribution and consumption, development and maintenance of electric and gas networks, modernization of heat supply, and solving social issues of closing mines in coal-mining regions are essential.
Energy security is equally important at the consumer level. It is consumers who shape the country’s energy balance. In addition to reliable, stable, sufficient, and timely electricity supply to industry and households, it also requires energy efficiency and energy conservation. The issues of encouraging private investments and state programs for using modern technologies of local renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, smart consumption systems, electric and hydrogen transport, etc.
Strengthening Ukraine’s energy security is extremely important because the modern world has never been so dependent on energy. Any industry and everyday situation needs electricity. Today, Ukrainian energy security is very fragile, suffering from the constant destruction of the energy system. In such conditions, the state must ensure sufficient generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, diversify energy sources, integrate into the European energy system, introduce transparent and modern energy market mechanisms, and rebuild and modernize. Ukraine strives to become better, so it is confidently reforming.
For me personally, as well as for any citizen of Ukraine, the issue of energy security concerns not only the provision of basic needs but also confidence in the future of my country, its development, and prosperity.
A personal example of how efficient energy consumption and modern technologies can strengthen energy security? It can be using energy-efficient electrical appliances, energy-saving light sources, solar charging devices, and conscious power consumption for lighting.
On the other hand, as an 11th-grade student, I am interested in further studying economics and energy at university and pursuing a career in renewable energy and climate protection. Introducing modern technologies and implementing the best world experience in strengthening energy security will ensure Ukraine’s future development and prosperity.
