Ukraine needs a Solar Energy Marshall Plan
Berlin/Kyiv, June 8, 2024 – A new groundbreaking study reveals that it would be feasible and beneficial if Ukraine installs five times more solar energy capacity in the next three years than outlined in the Ukrainian government’s current “Ukraine Plan.” The study, titled “Solar Energy Marshall Plan for Ukraine,” was commissioned by Greenpeace Germany and conducted by the economic consultancy firm Berlin Economics. According to the findings, this significant increase would not only help address the country’s energy crisis but also proves economically feasible. However, successful implementation hinges on international support. The study, which delineates the steps for implementing such a plan, is published ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, taking place on June 11-12 in Berlin.
"Addressing the energy crisis must be at the heart of the Ukraine Recovery Conference," says Andree Böhling, Energy Expert at Greenpeace. "A rapid and massive expansion of solar energy through a 'Solar Energy Marshall Plan' should play a central role." The title refers to the U.S. aid program that helped rebuild Europe economically after World War II.
International Community must set up an emergency package for the energy crisis
The scientists at Berlin Economics outline how such a plan could be implemented: Their model shows that increasing the expansion of solar energy to 3.6 gigawatts of newly installed capacity by 2027, five times higher than the 0.7 gigawatts currently planned, is both feasible and economically advantageous. By 2030, total installed solar capacity could grow to 14 gigawatts from today’s 5.6 gigawatts. This requires a package of measures to address and remove current obstacles, such as lack of incentives for investors, insufficient grid stability, and workforce shortages. Greenpeace therefore demands that Ukraine's partner countries provide cheaper loans through financial aid, more technical know-how and skilled workers, and help provide battery storage and flexible energy technologies.
Targeted Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this spring have plunged the country into a severe energy crisis: 85% of gas and coal power plant capacities and half of the hydropower plants have been destroyed or damaged. Additionally, almost half of Ukraine’s nuclear reactors are permanently offline due to the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Millions of Ukrainians are acutely affected by energy supply restrictions, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming winter.
Greenpeace calls for swift and effective support from the international community: “Solar energy is key to rebuilding Ukraine’s energy supply because it can be deployed easily, cheaply, and quickly. Decentralized solar installations are also much less vulnerable to Russian attacks and can provide reliable energy to every community and household very quickly,” says Böhling.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Andree Boehling, Greenpeace Germany Energy Campaigner, andree.boehling@greenpeace.org
Michael Weiland, Press Manager, michael.weiland@greenpeace.de,