10.06.2025
Urgent problems and the future of the Ukrainian energy sector will be discussed during the forum “Revival and Investment in the Energy Sector of Ukraine”, which will be held on July 11 in Rome. The event, organized by Energy Club, includes two panel discussions and a presentation of investment projects. Ukrainian high-ranking officials, heads of key state and private companies, as well as heads of specialized associations have already announced their participation in the investment forum. Representatives of leading European energy companies, financial institutions and government structures are expected from the international community.
In an exclusive interview, Energy Club President Andriy Kostrytsia spoke about the purpose of the event, key topics for discussion, and invited all interested parties to join the forum.
— Greetings, Mr. Andriy. On July 11, Energy Club is holding a large-scale event in Rome – the Investment Forum on Ukrainian Energy. Why now and why Italy?
— Greetings. This is an obvious and urgent need for us. Ukrainian energy is currently going through the most difficult period in its history. Systematic Russian attacks have caused enormous damage and losses to our infrastructure. Almost all thermal power plants are damaged, and capacity losses in some segments are critical: TPPs have lost 73%, CHP units — 93%, and hydroelectric power plants — 38%. This poses a threat to stability for Ukraine. Therefore, we cannot fail to act. We are holding our forum as an independent event, which runs in parallel with the Recovery Conference, complementing its broad program. This format gives our participants the opportunity to substantively discuss investment projects in the energy sector. This is a real chance to move from general discussions to specific actions. In essence, this is a strategic step, because it allows us to gather all key players — international partners, investors, and Ukrainian energy professionals — on one platform for a substantive conversation.
— What key topics do you plan to discuss? What is the ultimate goal of the forum?
— Our goal is quite ambitious, but realistic: to attract direct investments to rebuild and modernize the Ukrainian energy sector. We do not want to simply patch holes. Our task is to build a new, sustainable and deeply integrated energy system into the European market. Therefore, the forum program has two key directions. The first is urgent needs. During the panel “Restoring the Energy Sector” we will focus on preparing for the coming winter, protecting infrastructure, and financial instruments that are available to investors now. We have already proven that we can work in extreme conditions. For example, in the summer of 2024, Ukrenergo crews replaced an autotransformer in a record 21 days — in Europe, such work takes 3-4 months. This is the best proof of our resilience and ability to act. The second direction is a look into the future. The panel “Green Transition, Innovation and Integration with the EU” is dedicated to long-term opportunities. We see huge potential in clean energy, renewable sources, biomethane, water and smart technologies. By the way, before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine demonstrated very impressive dynamics in “green” energy: the installed capacity of RES increased almost 10 times in 6 years — from 997 MW in 2016 to 9,516 MW in early 2022. We strive not only to restore, but also to multiply this potential.
— You mentioned real projects. Will investors see anything concrete, besides discussions?
— Absolutely. We understand that business speaks the language of projects and numbers. Therefore, the central event of the forum will be the presentation of ready-made investment cases. We will present a number of wind energy projects with a total budget of over 750 million euros. These are not just ideas – these are objects with ready documentation that are waiting for financing to start. There is already interest in them, and this gives us optimism.
— Who will represent Ukraine and which international partners do you expect?
— We provide the highest level of representation. The forum will be attended by Ukrainian high-ranking officials, heads of key state and private companies, as well as heads of specialized associations. This guarantees a direct dialogue between decision-makers and those who are ready to invest. From the international community, we expect representatives of leading European energy companies, financial institutions, and government structures.
— What is your main message to potential partners and investors?
— Investments in the Ukrainian energy sector today are much more than just business. They are a contribution to the stability and security of all of Europe. Our synchronization with ENTSO-E has already proven that we are a reliable partner capable of working according to European rules. Despite all the challenges, we view this crisis as a unique window of opportunity to build one of the most modern energy systems in the world. And we are convinced that the synergy of Ukrainian stability and European investments is the key to our joint success. Therefore, we invite everyone to join this work.
You can register and find detailed information about the forum at this link on the Energy Club website
