26.09.2025
Yesterday, September 25th, I had the honor of moderating the second panel discussion, “Reconstruction and the Future: Technologies, Investment, and Regulation for Ukraine’s New Energy Sector,” as part of the Energy Club forum, “Resilience and Transformation: Balancing Ukraine’s Energy System in a New Reality.” It was a lively and, at times, sharp conversation that skillfully combined deep theoretical analysis with the concrete views of practitioners.
Discussion Instead of Monologues
We deliberately moved away from the format of sequential presentations. After each report, we immediately transitioned to a discussion, which allowed all participants to get involved in the conversation. The panel brought together a unique team: three Energy Club Vice Presidents at once—Valeriy Bezus, Ivan Hryhoruk, and myself—and two business representatives: Mykhailo Bubnov (Schneider Electric Ukraine) and Yuriy Podoliak (IKNET).
This lineup allowed us to look at the problems from different angles. Valeriy and Ivan presented a more strategic view on the industry’s development, while I, along with my business colleagues, focused on the practical aspects and challenges we face every day.
Focus on the Consumer and Security
The consumer was the key topic around which all conversations revolved. Today, we see that installing one’s own solar power plants or diesel generators is no longer just a matter of savings, but an element of business survival. This is an atypical function for an entrepreneur who should be developing their own business, not becoming an energy expert. But in the face of constant shelling, this is the only way to secure their production.
I separately thanked Schneider Electric, a company that understands our problems like no other. Even before the full-scale invasion, they created a stockpile of necessary equipment in Ukraine, essentially committing their capital so that we would have access to resources at a critical moment. This is an example of true partnership and foresight.
A discussion also arose regarding energy development plans. Valeriy Bezus emphasized the importance of their openness for business. I absolutely agree with this, as transparency is the key to trust and investment. But as a practitioner, I explained that although these plans exist and are being developed, we cannot publish them during the war, lest the enemy take advantage of this information. They will certainly be made public after our victory.
A Practical Initiative: Solar Power Plants + Storage
One of the most important outcomes of our panel was a concrete idea. I initiated a discussion on the fact that solar power plants would bring much more benefit to the system if they were built together with energy storage systems (BESS). The logic is simple: when the sun is out, we store energy, and during peak evening hours when there is no sun, we release that energy into the grid, helping to balance the system.
This idea received full support from the participants. We agreed to jointly develop an action plan and approach the Ministry of Energy with an initiative to legislate the requirement for new solar power plants to be built with storage systems.
The Value of In-Person Communication
Events like our forum are extremely valuable. The audience included practitioners, representatives of municipal enterprises, distribution system operators, and consumers. The opportunity to hear different opinions, communicate in an informal setting, and make new acquaintances is invaluable.
At the end, many participants approached me with a request to revive another important Energy Club project—an exhibition of equipment manufacturers. Consumers and operators insist that such a platform, organized specifically by the club, is a very effective tool for finding new solutions and partners. We will definitely take this into consideration.
I thank everyone for their participation and openness. It is in such discussions that the solutions that will build Ukraine’s new, resilient energy sector are born.
