12.06.2025
A key industry forum “Energy System in the Name of the Consumer: The Voice of Industry for Energy Security and Technological Development”, organized by Energy Club, was held in Kyiv. The event became a unique platform for a direct and frank dialogue between the energy sector and industrial consumers – those who are the foundation of the Ukrainian economy. In the face of unprecedented challenges, the voice of industry was not just heard, but became the basis for the formation of a roadmap for increasing Ukraine’s energy sustainability.
The forum aimed to change the imbalance in which the needs of key consumers are often ignored. As Energy Club President Andriy Kostrytsia noted on the eve of the event, the main impetus was “the need for practical solutions that can be developed only through open and constructive interaction.”
The first panel discussion was devoted to the most pressing problems of energy supply in industry. The key thesis on the need to change the economic course was voiced by Andriy Gerus, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing: “If there is no consumer in the country, then energy becomes unnecessary. We need to develop industry.”
He called the main problem high prices during periods of electricity surplus and emphasized the need for understandable pricing and market liberalization, which would stimulate the construction of highly maneuverable generation and energy storage systems.
The opinion about the need for changes from both sides was also supported by Vitaliy Zaychenko, Director of the Unified Energy System of Ukraine, NPC Ukrenergo: “The energy system is changing rapidly. The consumer must also change. Industrial enterprises will benefit from conducting an energy audit to understand how to increase productivity.”
Artem Li, Partner Manager at Huawei Digital Power, reported on the rapid growth in demand for energy storage installations — six times compared to 2023. He emphasized that the company, as a leader in digital energy solutions, sees the future in three scenarios: maximizing its own consumption through energy storage, strengthening the network, and shifting consumption. The important role of the financial sector in supporting these processes was outlined by Yevhen Myachyn, Director of the Department at Oschadbank. He reported that Ukrainian banks have already allocated UAH 18 billion for energy projects, and Oschadbank has financed the construction of solar power plants and energy storage systems for EUR 100 million in just six months.
The second panel focused on technological solutions and innovations. The participants discussed that the transition to “green” energy and the introduction of distributed generation is not just a trend, but a requirement of the time. The readiness of the industry to invest in its own energy independence is evidenced by the experience of the Epicenter group, which plans to build gas-fired solar power plants and cogeneration units.
Representatives of distribution system operators (DSOs) also demonstrated their readiness for dialogue. Artem Martyniuk, Acting General Director of JSC “Ukrainian Distribution Networks”, announced the development of a digital Power Factory map, which will publicly display regions with the need and opportunity for the installation of new generating capacities. The heads of “Cherkasyblenergo”, “Ternopilblenergo” and “Kharkivoblenergo” emphasized the importance of fulfilling contractual terms, proper planning and timely payment for distribution services.
General Director of LLC “NVP “Volten” Oleksandr Suslov emphasized: “The whole world is moving towards maximum autonomy, and industrial consumers need to build new financial models for their activities.” And Viktoriya Dudchenko from the Ukrainian Energy Exchange (UEE) appealed to industrialists: “The doors of the wholesale market are opening before you. UEE can help sell surpluses and buy electricity. We are customer-oriented and open to dialogue.”
Summing up the discussions, Energy Club Vice President Valeriy Bezus emphasized the change in the paradigm of management processes: “The situation forces us to develop business in the energy sector, create energy cooperatives, and the position of energy managers should appear at enterprises and municipalities.”
The Energy System in the Name of the Consumer Forum has become not just a discussion platform, but a starting point for systematic work. Energy Club, for its part, systematizes all the recommendations developed for transfer to the relevant state bodies and energy companies. This dialogue will be continued, because the energy security of Ukraine is a shared responsibility.
Holding a forum of this level was made possible thanks to the strong support of partners who share Energy Club’s vision of the importance of dialogue. The general partner of the event was Huawei, a world leader in digital energy solutions. Its experience in modernizing energy systems and implementing other innovative technologies is invaluable for Ukraine. Energy Club also expresses its sincere gratitude to the forum partners: Vector VS, Odessa Cable, Volten, Mayekawa, Techkomplekt and Ukrainian Energy Exchange. Their participation emphasizes the high social responsibility of business and interest in the sustainable development of the industry.
About Energy Club
Energy Club is a community of energy industry professionals that brings together experts, analysts and company managers to exchange knowledge, experience and ideas. We strive to develop the energy sector and support its participants in the face of constant change. Energy Club regularly holds conferences, forums and seminars dedicated to current energy issues.
