The European Bank for Reconstruction and Research (EBRD) and Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSOU) have teamed up to boost hydrogen development and use in the country.
The parties signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their collaboration on low-carbon hydrogen and the development of hydrogen supply chains, a first-of-its-kind arrangement.
The EBRD and GTSOU previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2020 to establish a framework for promoting sustainable energy investments in Ukraine and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, particularly fugitive methane emissions, and air pollution.
The EBRD regions are defined by a burgeoning renewable energy industry, which is expected to continue providing value to domestic economies and assisting in the transition to a green economy. Recent renewable energy electricity costs in several countries have gone below US$ 30/MWh – the price point at which green hydrogen production becomes competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
The Bank has initiated an investigation into the possibilities for developing various elements of the hydrogen supply chain in a number of the economies in which it invests, including Ukraine.
Harry Boyd-Carpenter, EBRD Managing Director, Green Economy and Climate Action, said: “I am very pleased that the EBRD and GTSOU are cooperating to support each other’s activities regarding hydrogen. Ukraine relies heavily on fossil fuels across all sectors of its economy and hydrogen can represent a good alternative for decarbonisation, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Supporting the green transition of our economies is a key priority for the EBRD.”
Sergiy Makogon, CEO of GTSOU, said: “Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy sources, which will contribute significantly to energy decarbonisation and achieving sustainable development goals. The challenge therefore is to develop technology to scale up hydrogen use, to create the necessary conditions and infrastructure for its production, transportation and consumption. All this requires time, effort and cooperation by all stakeholders. We recognise the role of natural gas as one of the key energy sources and transition fuel on the path to carbon-free economy, which will remain significant for this transition period. As the operator of the gas transmission system, our task is now to prepare our infrastructure for the decarbonised energy markets of the future.”
