According to Oleksiy Ryabchyn, Advisor to the Naftogaz CEO on low-carbon business growth and the EU Green Deal, implementing hydrogen projects in the long run will contribute to the decarbonisation of the Ukrainian economy’s export-oriented industries.
“We are talking about the possibility of hydrogen production in Ukraine for export, or processing into “green” ammonia. The latter can be transported to the EU or used in the domestic market by agricultural companies to meet the high environmental criteria of EU premium markets. We can also talk about metallurgy, which faces the challenge of carbon footprint reduction in tighter climate regulations,” he commented, speaking at the 12th Adam Smith International Ukrainian Energy Forum.
Ryabchyn emphasized that Naftogaz is open to discussions with corporate representatives for hydrogen production and consumption projects and also engages in high-level dialogue with EU member states on the subject.
“At this stage of hydrogen market development, it is reasonable to test and implement pilot projects. Hence, Ukraine will be able not only to observe the ongoing discussion in Europe, but also to prepare proposals based on its own experience,” added the advisor.
Oleksiy Ryabchyn is sure that hydrogen has enormous potential and that the corresponding energy sector will grow dramatically in Europe during the next decade.
Additionally, Naftogaz CEO Yury Vitrenko recently stated that the business is prepared to serve as a catalyst for the development of Ukraine’s hydrogen economy. During the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Berlin on 11-12 July 2021, the issue of “green” hydrogen transportation was discussed.
