06.01.2026
In a conversation about the results of the energy year 2025—a year marked by constant challenges and rapid decisions—Maksym Bielawski, Vice President of Energy Club (Director for Integrated Communications at Naftogaz of Ukraine, May-December 2021), highlighted the resilience of the energy system in wartime conditions, the role of people and competence, the transition from discussions to practical projects in energy storage, and the development of distributed generation as the foundation of energy security.
Additionally, in an interview with the Energy Club media department, Maksym Bielawski spoke about successes in Energy Club’s GR work, the European integration direction, and changing business demands. He outlined key trends for 2026 and wished the energy community to remain flexible, united, and strategically forward-thinking.
– Mr. Maksym, if you could characterize the 2025 energy year with one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
– The past year was filled with diverse, multi-vector events. Despite the extreme dynamism, we survived and gained a chance to correct a large number of mistakes. In my opinion, the past year was a true lesson for all of us in resilience and the necessity of rapid transformation. We also became convinced once again that without competence, many challenges remain problems.
– In your opinion, what was the biggest challenge for the energy system this year, and which achievement of Ukrainian energy workers impressed you the most?
– The biggest challenge for the energy system in 2025 was the continuation of unprecedented enemy attacks on critical infrastructure objects. What impressed me most was our cohesion, the ability to adapt, and to carry out the most complex restorations in minimal timeframes. We demonstrated once again that people are the key to the resilience of any technical system.
– 2025 became a year of active conversations and actions regarding Energy Storage (BESS). In your opinion, has a turning point already occurred in the creation of the storage market in Ukraine, or is the big “boom” still ahead?
– The past year truly became a year of active discussions and the first real steps regarding Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We see growing interest in battery systems as part of decentralized generation, especially in the context of renewable sources, where solar energy added 800 MW of capacity.
Has a turning point occurred? In my opinion, yes—we have moved from theoretical conversations to pilot projects supported by international partners, such as within the framework of the energy partnership with the EU. However, the big “boom” is still ahead: regulatory barriers, a lack of investment due to the war, and the need for localized component production are holding back mass implementation. In 2026, with the start of negotiations on joining the EU, we can expect market standardization, which will accelerate BESS integration. This is not just a technology—it is the foundation for stable, flexible energy, where storage units will become a “buffer” against instability.
– Let’s talk about the transition to distributed generation. Are you satisfied with the pace of implementation of these projects in 2025? What hindered and what helped the market?
– I am generally satisfied with the pace of implementing distributed generation projects in 2025, as we achieved noticeable progress: we added hundreds of megawatts of solar energy, developed microgrids in the regions, and strengthened energy resilience. This became a key element of the energy security strategy, as emphasized in the BDO analysis.
What helped? International support, particularly from the Energy Partnership Ukraine, grants for renewable sources, and initiatives by businesses that quickly adapted to new realities. However, constant attacks, logistical problems with equipment imports, and bureaucratic hurdles in regulations hindered progress. The market needs more flexibility in licensing and incentives for private investors. Overall, decentralization is not just a technical shift, but a philosophy: from monopolies to shared responsibility.
– Which initiative, event, or GR victory of the Club in 2025 do you consider the most significant for our members? Where did we bring the most benefit?
– I consider our participation in the working group on preparing Ukraine’s negotiating positions for accession to the EU to be the most significant initiative of Energy Club in 2025. This is a GR victory that brought the greatest benefit to members: we ensured that business voices were included in key documents, opening doors for investment and EU standards.
Furthermore, our numerous public events gathered over 500 active Club participants, fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange. We brought benefit where business needed protection—in advocacy against discrimination. Energy Club has become a platform where ideas turn into actions, strengthening the competitiveness of our members during the most difficult times.
– How has the portrait and needs of a Club member changed over this year? What is the priority now: seeking investment, protecting interests, or technology partnerships?
– Over 2025, the portrait of an Energy Club member has evolved: from traditional energy experts focused on stability to innovators looking for digital solutions and green technologies. Business understands that recovery requires not only funds but also knowledge: cooperation with the EU, implementation of smart grids and BESS. We see more startups and international companies in the Club focusing on resilience. We see more interesting and useful public events on international platforms.
The priority now is balance: investment for growth, protection for survival, and partnerships for innovation. This reflects a broader trend: energy is becoming an ecosystem.
– Name three key trends that will shape Ukraine’s energy agenda next year. What should business prepare for?
– Three key trends that will shape Ukraine’s energy agenda in 2026 are:
Accelerated integration with the EU, with a focus on harmonizing standards and access to recovery funds;
A boom in renewable sources, especially solar and wind energy with the integration of storage to overcome instability;
Digitalization of networks through smart grids and AI for optimization.
Business should prepare for regulatory changes, invest in staff qualifications, and seek international partners. However, in any case, all trends will rely on competence and situational awareness, and Energy Club should help with this.
– If you had an unlimited budget, which sector of Ukrainian energy would you invest in during 2026?
– If I had the appropriate capabilities, I would invest in the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar generation with integrated storage systems. Why? Because 2025 showed that decentralized sources are the key to resilience: 800 MW of new capacity have already proven their effectiveness. Investments here will not only reduce our energy system’s dependence on imports but will also facilitate the operation of industrial enterprises.
– What is the main business advice you would give to Energy Club members for the coming year?
– The main business advice to Energy Club members for 2026: be flexible and integrated. In a world of rapid changes, adaptability is valued most. Integrate communications, technologies, and partnerships into your strategy: communicate with stakeholders, implement innovations, and build alliances through business coworking. Remember that the culture of communications is a force for supporting the industry, as I have repeatedly emphasized. Success will come to those who see crises as opportunities for growth.
And in this context, I would like to recall a quote by Enzo Ferrari: “If your goals are subservient to good, then people, time, and circumstances will meet you halfway.”
I wish everyone resilience, inspiration, and prosperity!
