Wind power instead of nuclear power: Because of Russia's attacks, Ukraine wants to switch to renewables - and Habeck promises help during his visit to Kiev. Can that work?
Kiev - Whether nuclear, hydroelectric or coal-fired power plants: Ukraine's energy infrastructure is an easy target for Russia. For two and a half years, President Vladimir Putin's army has been attacking the facilities night after night with missiles and drones in the Ukraine war. But now the attacked country wants to switch and decentralize its electricity and heat supply - with the help of Germany.
During his surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) was accompanied by representatives of the German energy industry. The mission: strengthen the partnership in wind power and solar energy. “Comprehensive support for Ukraine also includes support for a resilient energy supply and reconstruction,” emphasized the German Vice Chancellor in a statement.
Attacks on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant: Ukraine wants to become more independent in its energy supply
Solar panels and rotor blades instead of tanks and ammunition? What sounds like a bad joke actually has a serious background. Due to constant attacks from Russia, Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by the war. More than 80 percent of the thermal power plants and 50 percent of the hydroelectric power plants have suffered significant damage since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression. The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia is also repeatedly at the center of the fighting. It was only on Thursday (April 18th) that a new incident involving a combat drone was reported, as the
dpa
news agency reported.
Against this background, experts see switching to renewable energies as quickly as possible as an important step for Ukraine. “Wind and solar parks would certainly not be so easy to switch off,” said Hans-Jürgen Wittman from the economic development agency Germany Trade & Invest to the news portal
focus.de
. While the large coal and nuclear power plants are concentrated in a few plants, a green energy supply would be organized in a more decentralized manner.
Solar and wind power: Ukraine is planning to switch to green energy – also because of Russia
Solar systems on house roofs or wind farms are comparatively less efficient and have to be distributed over several locations. Habeck also argues that destroying them would require greater effort for suspected attackers. “So a large power plant is a target, but 1,000 solar roofs are difficult to hit and 30 wind turbines are also difficult to hit,” the Vice Chancellor told the
dpa
news agency at the end of his trip .
So a large power plant is a target, but 1000 solar roofs are difficult to hit.
Robert Habeck (Greens) visiting Kiev
Habeck in Kiev: Vice Chancellor agrees energy cooperation with Ukraine
Habeck unexpectedly arrived in Kiev on Thursday for a two-day visit. The program also included a conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to general arms issues, the two also talked about closer energy partnerships. After several collaborations had already been initiated by German government representatives during previous visits, Habeck has now inaugurated a solar system near Irpin, according to information from his authority. As a quick emergency aid, Habeck also promised to supply emergency generators and gas turbines for damaged power plants.
While the switch to renewable energies is vital for Ukraine, there is certainly big business behind it for German companies. According to the
focus.de
report, Ukraine wants to
triple its expansion into green energy sources by 2035. In total, infrastructure worth ten billion euros was destroyed. This needs to be rebuilt quickly in the short to medium term.
“Decentrally installed photovoltaic systems ensure that the energy supply is less vulnerable. Renewable energies will play a central role in the reconstruction of Ukraine,” said the President of the Federal Association of the Solar Industry (BSW), Jörg Ebel, to the
PV magazine
on the sidelines of the Habeck trip.
Reconstruction of Ukraine after war: Habeck and Zelenskyj plan energy summit
In Ukraine, people certainly appreciate Germany's commitment to renewable energies. After Habeck's visit, Zelenskyj thanked Germany for its continued support in the defensive war against Russia. “We appreciate Germany’s leadership role, which not only helps us in Ukraine to protect lives, but also all of Europe itself – to preserve the very Europe that knows how to live peacefully, knows the law and knows how to take care of people,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, he announced a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine planned for June in Berlin. In addition to bilateral armaments projects, the energy industry will also be discussed. Because: “Russia has once again launched attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure with great violence and because the violence was so brutal, it has also achieved some effective hits,” Habeck pointed out.
The Vice Chancellor experienced first hand how brutal the situation in the country is. In the morning, an air alarm sounded in Kiev, which is why Habeck had to seek shelter in the basement of his hotel during his flying visit. In contrast to many other shelters in the country, there was sufficient electricity there. (
jkf
)