24.03.2025
«If the electricity industry is more or less coping with the challenges, then gas companies have only begun to face serious blows this winter. The attack on the entire gas infrastructure continues, and we must be sure that the next heating seasons will take place, – Andriy Myzovets, president of the Gas Traders of Ukraine association, emphasized on the air of the Energy Freedom talk show on March 7, speaking about the results of the 2024/2025 winter, challenges, recovery and prospects for the development of the energy industry. However, despite the difficult conditions, the expert calls for optimism and to draw up a constructive plan for further action as soon as possible.
«After such challenges that Ukrainian energy workers, including gas workers, went through back in 2008, as well as the last three winters, we proved to the world that we have both the first army in Europe and the energy sector is not in second place – this is 100%. We need to prepare for the next heating periods. And it is worth starting with the simplest thing – a work plan. And it cannot be without an understanding of the all-Ukrainian energy balance. Unfortunately, no one will even voice forecast scenarios to us now, and this is a multiplication table for preparing further steps. So the first thing to do is to work out all the options with the participation of energy industry specialists – from the worst possible to the most optimal – and find a middle ground that will allow us to go through the next heating season without any problems and have an understanding of where we are heading, which energy sectors will be more priority, what we can rely on.
Therefore, the task of our diplomats and energy experts is to find a common language and come to an agreement, to prove that security is our common European business. In 2022, Europe was actively discussing the initiative for joint natural gas purchases. Given the turbulent political situation now, it seems to me that this initiative should be revived and, in the optimal time, to understand how Ukraine can use it. I mean, if there is a possibility, by protecting our underground storage facilities with appropriate air defense means, to use them not only for our national needs, but also for the needs of Europe, this is a pretty good way to jointly address the issue of energy security,” Andriy Myzovets suggested and added: this year Europe will also face a serious challenge – replenishing natural storage reserves. Currently, they are only one-third full (37%), while a year ago, on March 5, 2024, if we take March 5, 2024 – by 61%.
“Therefore, it is important to emphasize: since Ukraine is part of Europe and is building its energy policy in line with the European community, we must also solve energy supply problems together, with joint efforts,” concluded the president of the Gas Traders of Ukraine association.
